East Suffolk Council
Council is proud to support this weekend’s First Light Festival
East Suffolk Council, one of the major funders of the First Light Festival in Lowestoft, cannot wait for this “incredible event” to get underway at the weekend.
Organised by First Light CIC and held on Lowestoft’s award-winning South Beach each June, First Light Festival is a free multi arts festival, celebrating the first midsummer sunrise in Britain’s most easterly town.
Supported by East Suffolk Council, the festival attracts tens of thousands of people from across the UK and offers an exciting programme of arts activities including music, dance, theatre and performance, for all ages.
In September 2022, the Council handed First Light CIC £500,000, and alongside funding from other partners, the Arts Council allocated £660,000 to secure its future for the next three years.
Cllr Katie Graham, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism said: “First Light is always an incredible event, offering an exciting programme of arts activities inspired by Lowestoft’s most easterly location, while showcasing the creativity of local people.
“The festival is now a nationally recognised event, and attracts visitors from across the country, creating pride and providing a genuine boost for the town and local businesses. East Suffolk Council is proud to be a major funder and supporter.”
Last year’s festival saw a £200,000 investment from East Suffolk Council and the event delivered approximately £690,000 of visitor spend. It also helped to create six jobs and welcomed 297 arts professionals, 29 arts organisations and 12 voluntary organisations.
First Light is also supported by Arts Council England, Suffolk County Council and the New Anglia LEP.
First Light takes place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June.