The Queen has written to Eastbourne unLtd Chamber of Commerce to express her warm wishes to the town on its 700 year anniversary of being granted a market charter.

Her Majesty wrote to the Chamber in response to a letter received from Chamber President Tim Cobb and Chief Executive Christina Ewbank informing her of some of the activities planned for this festive season in the town including Neon Noel and the Christmas Market.

Tim Cobb said “For those that aren’t aware, the original market charter was granted to Bartholow de Badlesmere in 1315 for a Thursday market. Unfortunately, he turned out to be a traitor, who rose up against King Edward II. He was tried in Canterbury, found guilty on the 14^th of April 1322 and then hung. We assured Her Majesty in our letter that we remained her loyal and humble servants!”

Christina said “We are delighted to have received a letter from the Queen’s Household. We wrote to Her Majesty as we wanted to reassure her that the town was determined to celebrate its 700 year trading history. In our letter, we explained our exciting plans including the Christmas market and Neon Noel”

Eastbourne unLtd is currently working with West End Studios and LM Productions to produce a spectacular show to be projected onto the Town Hall Clock Tower titled Neon Noel. The show, which organisers have promised will be an explosion of colour and sound will be shown on from the 4^th until the 13^th of December every night at 4.30, 5.30 and 6.30pm. 

The Chamber is also organising a Christmas Market from the 9^th of December until the 13^th of December at Eastbourne’s iconic bandstand. With traditional gifts on sale as well as some great local entertainment, the bandstand market has captured the public’s imagination with already 6k people confirming they’re coming on social media. This week the Chamber also announced that they had secured the Coca-Cola truck as the only destination in Sussex on its famous festive tour. The truck will be visiting Eastbourne on the 18^th of December, exactly a week before Christmas.

The Queen’s Chief Clerk wrote “Her Majesty was interested to learn of how the local trading heritage of Eastbourne is to be celebrated and sends her warm wishes to all concerned”.

Christina concluded “We are really excited at the events that we have planned and are delighted that Her Majesty has sent such warm words of encouragement. Whether it’s the dazzling Neon Noel, the amazing Christmas Market at the Bandstand or the famous Coca-Cola Christmas truck, we are making sure that this year, Christmas in Eastbourne is unlimited!”