Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the live music component of the Eastbourne Festival returns with a strong line-up of bands and DJs, including The Maccabees, Friendly Fires and Zane Lowe.

Part of the wider Eastbourne Festival, which aims to challenge existing perceptions of the town, these two days of live music should show there is more to Eastbourne than a sleepy seaside atmosphere.

Patrick Marsden of Lout Promotions, one of the organisers behind the event, says: “We really want to bring profile acts to a town which sees very little as far as live music events.

“This is the second year for the event – last year it saw Jack Penate and Pendulum perform, among others, and this year it looks like it will sell out both days.”

It is hoped the festival will continue to develop.

“As well as growing its local reputation, we want to get national recognition, and hopefully bring even more high-profile events to the region.”

Brighton’s own The Maccabees will headline the event tonight. With an eagerly awaited second album due very soon (the follow-up to their acclaimed debut Colour It In), the band have everything to play for.

Wall Of Arms is less of a departure and more of a step forward for the five-piece. The melancholy melodies and observational humour remain, but the record is bigger in scale and approach than their first.

Support comes in the ultra-energetic shape of Friendly Fires. The Hertfordshire act are fresh from their acclaimed slot on the NME Awards tour, with latest single Skeleton Boy still ringing in the ears.

Also on the bill will be the excellent Joy Formidable, who throw together melodic tunes and an epic soundscape, rife with distorted guitars.

Now based in London, the Eastbourne-reared Data Select Party are also performing. Making a return appearance will be Radio 1’s eclectic selector Zane Lowe.

Day two, tomorrow, will take the dance end of the spectrum as its focus, with headliners Chase And Status and Andy C taking the main stage. Currently taking clubland by storm with plays from Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Pete Tong and many more, Chase And Status will be performing a live set joined by Plan-B, MC Rage and Takura, while Andy C hooks up with Dynamite MC and Shy FX who is also lined up to perform.

Room 2 will be hosted by local promoters MASS Recordings, who hold current residencies for The Gallery at Ministry Of Sound and Brighton’s Honey Club. Playing the very best in electro, house and dubstep will be Brimmer, Jon Curtis, Kieran Brindley, Migzy and the Aberdeen Crime Scene.

  • Tickets are £16 each day, available from the Winter Garden box office on 01323 412000 or Rounder Records on 01273 325440.