Join The Sovereign Shines Light spectacle

This December, Premier Marinas Eastbourne is inviting berth holders and the Sovereign Harbour community to light up their boats and houses for Sovereign Shines.

Now in its fifth year, Sovereign Shines is a collaboration between Premier, the Sovereign Harbour Berth Holders’ Association and The Rotary Club. Their aim is to encourage boat owners and local residents to get involved in the light festivities at Christmas to boost community spirit and raise much needed funds for two amazing local organisations: the RNLI Eastbourne and Defiant Sports – an inclusive, not-for-profit organisation which believes in getting and keeping people active to improve their well-being and quality of life.

With the on water illuminations taking centre stage, new categories have been added to this year’s competition, opening up new creative opportunities for berth holders and residents to get involved – categories ranging from the best boat/house, best rainbow illuminations and even a ‘little and pretty’ display. The new categories also bring bigger and better prizes to this year’s competition, including a boat lift, high pressure wash and launch, luxurious Christmas hampers and dining out vouchers.

With lights up by Friday 11th December, The Waterfront at Sovereign Harbour will become the central hub for residents and visitors who wish to stroll around the harbour to take in the sparkle of Christmas lights and finish the evening with a meal at one of the ten eating establishments.

Also new for this year, a bespoke fundraising page has been created for voluntary donations to be made as part of the entry into the 2020 light display: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/my-page-1603358853194

All donations will be divided equally between RNLI Eastbourne and Defiant Sports and will make a huge difference in helping these local organisations continue with the great work they do in the community.

Mark Sawyer, coxswain at RNLI Eastbourne said: “We are extremely grateful for Premier’s generosity and we’re looking forward to some welcome light and sparkle during the dark December days. This has been a very tough year for RNLI fundraisers so receiving these donations will help us keep launching to those in trouble on the sea, and help keep our crews safe and warm on our boats through the winter months.”

Loretta Lock, Managing Director at Defiant Sports said: “We are very excited to be supported and look forward to putting the funds raised towards further improving our harbour-based sports hub for the local community to make use of. We look forward to welcoming you all at the Defiant Sports Inclusion Hub soon!”

Registration to join in with the light display is now open. Sovereign Harbour residents and boat owners can apply by visiting The Waterfront website or directly visit https://www.eastbournewaterfront.co.uk/sovereign-shines-application-form/