Skegness Magazine

SKEGNESS is set to enjoy an action-packed summer season as the town plays host to a variety of high-profile events this year.

Central Beach will host three beach sports festivals which are being marketed alongside the eagerly awaited SO… 2009 festival taking place on July 24 and 25.

On July 4, a children’s seven-a-side beach football event for under-8s to under-11s has been organised by the Kick Start mini-soccer academy.

On August 15, the town will play host to a Tag Rugby event run by 02 and England Rugby, which will see action on four inflatable pitches.

East Lindsey District Council is waiting for confirmation of two members of England’s rugby team who are due to attend the event.

Finally, a Volleyball England Beach Tour championship on August 22 and 23 is likely to attract interest from across the world.

The grand-slam event is one of five held across England, with a final taking place in Blackpool in September.

Funding for the events is provided by ELDC and the respective organisations.

ELDC’s portfolio holder for leisure, Coun Adam Grist said: “With SO… 2009, beach rangers and many beach sports taking place, this promises to be an exciting year for people visiting our coast.

“The council has worked hard to develop a range of activities that don’t cost a great deal to be involved in – in fact, many are completely free of charge.”

Further details of the SO… festival have now been released..

Launching the event will be a Berlin-style Kabaret with international singer Mary Carewe and a seven-piece band from East Midlands orchestra Sinfonia ViVA.

This year’s illuminations switch-on takes place on July 25 and will begin with a parade starting at Pier Fields, continuing past the clock tower and on to the beach. This will be followed by an Opera gala at the Embassy Theatre with special guest Jonathan Ansell of G4 fame.

The countdown by radio DJ Eddie Shaw will launch the Full Circle pyrotechnic show.

For details, visit www.e-lindsey.gov.uk and www.embassytheatre.co.uk