ACTIVITIES

First Light Festival is a free 24-hour multi arts festival in a beautiful coastal setting. Celebrating one cycle of midsummer sun setting and rising over the beach in Britain’s most easterly town.

An excellent night out, for its time the film even had some special effects! Stephen’s live soundtrack added to the mood. The headphones provided gave an immersive experience and the film story kept us on the edge of our deckchair (no spoilers!)

I would encourage everyone to check out the next Screen on the sands.

For this unique beach cinema experience on the eve of 2022’s Festival, pianist Stephen Horne provides a live, improvised soundtrack to the 1926 silent masterpiece, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. 

Explore the art of wildlife photography, with award-winning photographer Kevin Sawford, in the beautiful surroundings of the Trust’s Carlton Marshes nature reserve then enjoy a light meal and exclusive use of the new café & terrace, where you can capture views over the marshes in the late afternoon/early evening once the centre has closed to the public.

First Light happened! Rain, a thunderstorm, premature burning, stunning kites, magic music, tear-making moments, delicious oysters, some excellent rants, and a beautiful Sunday morning.

I only managed to experience a smidgeon of what was on offer in the 24 hours, but those moments were worthwhile indeed.

Andy Sheppard's evening jazz set, the Shanties, the Coronation Kings (who movingly celebrated Father's day and Lowestoft's amazing musical heritage), and Group A were my particular highlights.

WHERE: Martins Score - off High St NR32 1JA 

WHAT: Spray paint / Stencil Art 

ARTIST: Joe Thompson

The Banksy Spraycation street art gave Lowestoft a real boost at a difficult time and added to a sense of pride. 

I'm sure you are aware this was short lived, when landlords went to extraordinary lengths to literally rip out this new sense of community and auction to the highest bidder in America.    

a flotilla of 25 historic vessels will sail out of the harbour for a race not held in the town for decades. Explore the Vessels Festival on the quayside, too, with live music, food and art stalls. 

CREDIT: The Telegraph Claire Boobbyer

"Move over Southwold – there's a new jewel in Suffolk's coastal crown

With craft beer, designer beach huts and award-winning hotels, make this the summer you head for the county's best-kept secret

On a sizzling hot day, the soft golden sand – a mile long and almost 300ft wide from promenade to water – is utterly glorious 

Following today’s article in the Eastern Daily Press and further interest on the Lowestoft Virtual Creative Hub the Spraycation debate has continued. 
 

For some it has highlighted the disappointment of losing the original Banksy, but for others it has raised the possibility of highlighting the talents of local Street artists. 
 

The story has already generated a request from a prominent town centre business for another commission from Joe Thompson, which he is currently considering.

ALL PROCEEDS TO ICU AT JAMES PAGET HOSPITAL
THE BIG CHEESE - LIKE OPTIMISTS - AJOJ
LOVE SONGS FOR LOSERS - CHASING SQUIRRELS
ISAAC LISTER - RYAN REDWOOO - CORAL CROSS
JOE BEHAN - ALL MY YOUTH
MUSIC STARTS AT 2PM
BED, SPEED POOL & MORE

This will be the 25th anniversary race, organised by Waveney Valley Athletic Club, taking in the historic scores in Lowestoft. Starting and finishing in the upper high street, competitors can be assured of a great atmosphere and plenty of spectators.