Hello 2022

Christmas is over, the festive treats have all been eaten and it’s time to look forward to 2022 and all that the new year brings.

Many of us will now be marking the start of 2022 with a pledge to a healthier lifestyle whether it be watching the weight, taking up a new exercise regime, starting a new hobby or just getting out and about more.

Here in Eastbourne, we are fortunate enough to have miles of seafront promenade, an abundance of shops, businesses and hospitality venues, theatres, outdoor and indoor sports facilities not to mention the South Downs right on our doorstep.

If you’re looking to get the new year off to a healthy start, the Sovereign Centre on Eastbourne seafront is a one stop shop offering a wide range of facilities. Open seven days a week, the large leisure centre has a gym, fun pool with wave machine and flume, Aqua Challenge inflatable assault course, a 25-metre gala swimming pool, diving pool, swimming lessons, gymnastics lessons, sauna and steam room, workout studio, classes, a sports hall available to hire and a café.

If you prefer the great outdoors to gyms and swimming, there’s plenty of easily accessible countryside walks across the borough and if you want to set yourself a challenge, how about taking part in the Eastbourne Triathlon, Macmillan Mighty Hike, or the Tempo 10K Eastbourne or world-famous Beachy Head Marathon. There’s no doubt that connecting with nature reduces stress and is good for your mental health.

And what better way to unwind after all that outdoor action than a visit to one of Eastbourne’s many eateries, bars and pubs. Quiz Nights return to the Stage Door in Compton Street on the first Tuesday of every month with Open Mic Nights taking place on the second Thursday of each month.

Or maybe you want to treat yourself to an invigorating spa day or makeover at one of the town’s many salons.

It could be that you are going to take up a new hobby this year or take up a new sport. For those wanting to try their hand at golf, the Eastbourne Downs Golf Club is a friendly golf course ensuring affordable golf for all in and around the town. Although it is a members’ club, you don't need to be a member to play there and enjoy the course or pop into the clubhouse to relax and enjoy the now famous hospitality.

So, whether you are new to golf, fancy giving it a go, an experienced golfer or simply want to be involved in a friendly and welcoming club – go along and visit and see what the friendly staff can offer you.

For music fans, the Congress Theatre is hosting a series of performances in January including a concert by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

On Friday 14 January Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute band produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, will be on stage. The rolling cast of musicians, handpicked by Taylor and May, will deliver a spectacular 90-minute show featuring more than 20 Queen classics.

There will be music to soothe the soul at the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s appearance on Sunday 16 January. Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony will be performed, and ticket prices start at £20.

On Thursday 20 January The Classic Rock Show will pay tribute to a line-up of favourite rock heroes including Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, and Fleetwood Mac.

The music continues next door to the Congress within the Winter Garden and Welcome Building during January with the Bandstand on Tour packed programme of events.

On Friday 7 January at 8pm a Rod Stewart Tribute Show is on in the Winter Garden. Wrong Stewart & The Farces are a tribute band taking audiences by storm performing the timeless classics by Rod Stewart and a selection of Faces material.

The following evening on Saturday 8 January Pure Queen will perform a Queen Tribute Show in the Winter Garden. One of the UK’s leading Queen tribute bands, Pure Queen delivers a flamboyant historic look at the rock legends’ musical achievements.

Other tribute nights in January will be held in the Welcome Building and include Take That, Jersey Boys, Bon Jovi, and Little Mix.