What are the festival timings?
Saturday
12:00-21:30 Hit the beach from noon to dusk for a packed first day of our free summer solstice shindig. FREE
22:00-02:00 As night falls, the party moves off the sand and into venues around Lowestoft for our ticketed Sundown Events.
Sunday
03:30-05:45 Gather on the beach and join the sunrise celebration for an unforgettable dawn experience of music and meditation with the rising sun.
Sunday 10:00-16:00 Sunday’s festivities carry on for another for a day as long and bright as the solstice sun.
Do I need a ticket?
First Light is free and unticketed! The only time you’ll need a ticket is if you want to attend one of our Sundown Events on Saturday night once the free beach programme finishes at 21:30. You can find out more here:
Can I perform, trade, volunteer or have a charity stall at First Light?
Head to Get Involved to register your interest in volunteering, We’re now full for trading and charity stalls. and while 2024’s programme is now finalised, there’s a form you can fill out if you’d like to send us information about yourself and let us know you’re interested in being involved next year!
Visiting with your family? Here’s a Staying safe at First Light Festival for Families to help you have a great time!
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, under Council legislation, dogs are not allowed on the area of the beach First Light takes place on, so please leave your dog at home.
Can I still swim in the sea?
Of course you can! However, please note that lifeguards only cover part of the beach – please check public notices.
If First Light is free, can I donate?
What a lovely question! We don’t currently accept donations, but you can support our free programming by buying merch over the festival weekend and telling all your friends and family about First Light!
Can I bring my own food and drink?
We’re curating an exciting line up of local vendors to keep you fed and watered over the weekend.
You’re also welcome to bring your own food and drink to enjoy on the beach. Help us keep the beach clean and safe for everyone by disposing of any rubbish using the bins available or take it home with you. Please note that BBQs or glass items are not allowed at the festival.
Lowestoft is also home to some brilliant local pubs, cafes and restaurants, which we encourage you to check out over your stay.
Where can I stay?
While our wild beach camping is the place to set up home for the weekend, we understand that camping isn’t for everyone. Check our Accommodation page for recommendations in Lowestoft and further afield!
Is the beach accessible?
We’re working hard to make sure that the Festival is as accessible as possible.
Whilst our unique seafront setting is very beautiful, and we want to festival to be something everyone can experience and enjoy, the natural environment and Victorian infrastructure may mean it is not easy to navigate for everyone.
We have put together a handy access guide for the Festival site and venues to help you plan your visit and consider what support and/or equipment you might need to enjoy the festival.
Head to our access page for full information on access.
Who are First Light Festival?
A very good question! Visit our Who We Are page to find out about the First Light team.