insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 08 - October 2015 | Page 12

NEWS EASTBOURNE JOINS TOP 25 GROWING SEASIDE TOWNS WITH 44% RISE IN BUSINESS More and more holidaymakers are looking to Eastbourne for their self-catering break according to HolidayLettings.co.uk, with the town joining the top 25 growing seaside towns in the UK. The Tripadvisor-run website which features holiday homes, cottages and apartments for let, reported a rise in searches for Eastbourne of almost 44% between January and June, compared to the same period last year. The news comes during a busy year for VisitEastbourne.com which has seen a rise in estimated users of more than a quarter during the first half of 2015, along with an increase in overseas visitors and bookings for self-catering properties. Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said: “We’ve definitely seen a growing trend this year with more and more independent holidaymakers searching for Eastbourne, looking for boutique style selfcatering accommodation, of which Eastbourne has a wonderful offering.” CELEBRITY VISIT TO THE SUSSEX BEACON Actress Lorraine Chase and sports personality Robin Cousins took a tour and met staff and patients at The Sussex Beacon centre this September. The pair have recently pledged their support of the HIV charity by offering to host the upcoming Halloween Horror Show fundraising ball. The tour included a look around the centre’s ten-bedded inpatient unit and day service facilities. The charity, which supported over 866 people living with HIV last year, needs to raise £1. 6 million to keep its vital services running. Co-host Robin Cousins said: “The Sussex Beacon are a huge part of the Brighton and Hove landscape, and as a local I am very happy to co-host this year’s Halloween Horror Show with the fabulous Lorraine Chase. The charity does incredible work in and around our community and annual events like this support and celebrate their continuing efforts.” Lorraine and Robin will be hosting The Halloween Horror Show at the Grand Hotel, Brighton on Saturday 31st October 2015. They will narrate the show which will include live song and dance performances, with a cast from the Brighton Academy. Guests will enjoy a sparkling wine reception, three-course meal, silent auction, main auction and best‘fancy’-dressed competition. The Sussex Beacon is working with leading entertainment design agency the E3 Group to produce the fundraising ball. The E3 Group were responsible for the production of Brighton Pride in 2013. Together, The Sussex Beacon and E3 hope to create a fundraising event that guests can enjoy year on year. Co-host Lorraine Chase said: “l was chuffed to be asked to take part in The Halloween Horror Show for The Sussex Beacon. Co-hosting with the amazing Robin Cousins will be a treat indeed! I look forward to seeing you all there. We need your support.” To buy tickets for The Halloween Horror Show, please visit www.sussexbeacon.org.uk/halloween or email [email protected] for more information about the event. 12