The global media and hospitality brand has praised the town’s rising status as a creative and cultural hub, with art gallery Towner Eastbourne hosting the 2023 Turner Prize from September. Other events highlighted include The Screen International Film Festival and Beach Life Music Festival. The town’s live music venues, independent shops and eating spots are also mentioned. Time Out’s network of local editors selected and ranked destinations based on their current food, drink and arts scene. A spokesperson from Time Out said: “In addition, it was also taken into consideration for the ranking whether there are also lots of new things to get excited about in the coming year in the chosen places such as new hotels, restaurants, museums or events to put on people’s calendars for 2023.” Birmingham is second on the list while Cardigan in Wales is third. Time Out’s UK editor Huw Oliver said: “Rather than the usual hotspots we want to highlight places, many of which are ludicrously underrated, which people don’t automatically think to go to. In all of the places on the list you will find interesting things to see and do, eat and drink during the day and night, a friendly welcome and a community spirit which enables you to connect with locals and really get to know a place. We recommend that you definitely put one or more of these destinations on your travel list for next year.” Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell said: “I am thrilled and very proud our town has been given this prestigious accolade. “All who live here know the outstanding natural beauty, shops, world class cultural hotspots, pier and townscape that make Eastbourne so special but to have it to be affirmed in such a way is brilliant news. “Tourism and hospitality is our life blood and what a boost this is for those parts of our economy in such challenging times. The future is even brighter with £20 million of government investment coming soon from the Levelling Up Fund. “I would like to thank everyone who makes Eastbourne special, whether that’s small shop owners, café staff, gallery curators, hotel owners and staff, pier workers, road sweepers to name but a few. You all contribute to make a wonderful place to visit and should go about your business with renewed confidence and an even bigger smile.” READ THIS: Two men arrested after woman is assaulted outside Eastbourne fast food restaurant Tributes to Eastbourne nurse who died after contracting Covid-19: ‘Janet loved with a passion and fierceness’ Eastbourne hotel owner sets new world record