First Light Festival: incredible 24 Hour Multi-Arts Festival Returns to Lowestoft

Here on the Suffolk Coast, we’re lucky to have one of the UK’s most magical festivals right on our doorstep!

First Light Festival returns for its 5th year on 20th & 21st June 2026, bringing a free, unticketed weekend of music, arts, food, and community to the beautiful shores of Britain’s most easterly beach.

First Light Festival is a free, multi-arts festival that invites you to experience creativity from the first glow of sunrise to the last glimmer of moonlight. Follow your sense of wonder through an inspiring programme of music, dance, storytelling, art, science, workshops, wellbeing sessions and family adventures.

— firstlightlowestoft.com

What’s on at First Light Festival?

The festival is a joyful celebration of creativity, coastal life, and community spirit. From sunrise yoga sessions to late-night DJ sets under the stars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

World-Class Performances
Expect an eclectic mix of music, theatre, and dance from across the globe, alongside incredible homegrown talent from Suffolk and beyond. Whether you’re watching a breathtaking live band on the beach or discovering a new local artist, the energy and atmosphere are unforgettable.

Makers’ Market
Along the Upper Promenade, you’ll find the Makers’ Market, a vibrant showcase of local artistry. Browse stalls filled with handcrafted ceramics, jewellery, textiles, prints, and homewares, each piece telling a story of Suffolk’s creative community. It’s the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind memento from your visit.

New Dawn Stage
A must-see for music lovers, the New Dawn Stage highlights East Anglia’s most exciting up-and-coming acts. In partnership with Access Creative College and BBC Introducing, this stage has quickly earned a reputation as the place to catch future stars before they hit the big time

A Feast for the Senses
No festival is complete without great food—and First Light delivers in style. You’ll find everything from fresh local seafood and wood-fired pizzas to vegan and vegetarian delights, all crafted by passionate regional producers. Grab a bite, relax on the sand, and soak up the lively seaside atmosphere.

A Celebration of the Suffolk Coast

First Light Festival has become a firm favourite in the local calendar and has even been nominated for Tourism Event/Festival of the Year in the Norfolk & Suffolk Tourism Awards 2026, alongside other regional favourites like Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, Norwich Wine Week, and Out There Festival. It’s a testament to the creativity, culture, and community spirit that make our coastline such a special place.

Make Suffolk Your Home from Home

If you love the incredible coastline of Suffolk as much as we do… why not make it your home from home?

North Denes Caravan Park

Situated just a short stroll from the beach, North Denes Caravan Park is the perfect base for enjoying the Suffolk Coast and events like First Light Festival. With a range of static caravans and pitches available, this friendly park offers a relaxed, seaside atmosphere where you can wake up to stunning coastal views and take in all the festival excitement just minutes from your doorstep.

Broadlands Park & Marina

For those who love the water as much as the sand, Broadlands Park & Marina offers a unique holiday experience on the edge of the Suffolk Broads. With brick-built and modern holiday homes and excellent marina facilities, it’s ideal for boating enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a peaceful coastal retreat. Imagine spending your mornings exploring the Broads, your afternoons at the beach, and your evenings enjoying live music and local food at First Light Festival.

We have a variety of holiday homes for sale on our holiday parks, on and near the Suffolk Coast—so you can enjoy this stunning setting whenever you like. Just imagine waking up to sea views, festival vibes, and coastal adventures all year round!

Find your ideal holiday home today, and we’ll see you on the beach for First Light Festival!