A community festival on the south coast of England will celebrate water in all its forms, including as a vital resource, a marine habitat and a spiritual influence.

The Spring Water Festival 2023, run by community group Plastic Free Eastbourne, will also shine a light on the health and tourism benefits water brings, as well as the resort's network of drinking water Refill stations, along 19km of seafront. By promoting the provision of free mains water, festival organisers hope to reduce the amount of single use plastic, which is having a devastating impact on water environments.

Now in its third year, the 10-day community festival will include organised walks, beach cleans, art exhibitions, live music, citizen science studies, creative writing workshops, an eco fair, wellbeing events and a yacht race.

Oliver Sterno, Plastic Free Eastbourne founder, said, “We believe in taking action with urgency in order to raise public awareness about some of the most pressing issues facing our environment.

“We are driven by a single goal: to do our part in making Eastbourne a better place for everyone. We want to influence all stages of this environmental crisis and we strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact.

“Our Spring Water Festival is growing each year and with lots of events from opera workshops to litter-picking, there's something for everyone.”

The Spring Water Festival, Eastbourne, Sussex, UK, takes place from 12-21 May 2023. More details can be found at: www.plasticfreeeastbourne.co.uk