East Suffolk Council
Council proud to fund this weekend’s First Light Festival
East Suffolk Council, one of the major funders of the First Light Festival in Lowestoft, is once again throwing its support behind the event, which gets underway this 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.
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.
First Light was first staged in 2019 and originated as part of Hemingway Design’s strategy for Lowestoft’s South Beach Vision. It was commissioned by East Suffolk’s predecessor council, Waveney District Council and co-funded by Suffolk County Council and Arts Council England, with an aim to make Lowestoft a ‘must visit’ destination.
In 2022, East Suffolk allocated £500,000 to First Light CIC, alongside funding from other partners and First Light CIC was successful in becoming part of Arts Council England's National Portfolio, being awarded £600,000 to secure the future of the festival for the next three years.
Paul Wood, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration at East Suffolk Council said: “We are incredibly proud to be a major funder and supporter of First Light which has become one of the highlights of the year and offers an exciting and entertaining programme of arts activities inspired by Lowestoft’s most easterly location.
“The festival makes a significant impact on the local economy and provides a genuine boost for Lowestoft and the wider area. Last year, this nationally recognised event attracted over 40,000 visitors from across the country and delivered approximately £1.2million of visitor spend. The festival welcomed over 600 arts professionals and performers and 26 arts organisations, providing over 190 free activities and performances between them. We can’t wait for First Light this weekend and look forward to welcoming everyone to Lowestoft’s beautiful South Beach.”
First Light takes place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June. For the full events programme, visit www.firstlightlowestoft.com