The UK’s only free beach festival is now just a week away - with the leading midsummer celebration attracting tens of thousands of visitors once more.

International acts, award-winning performers, musicians, DJs, bands, comedians, poets, big names and new talent will be showcased as First Light Festival returns to Lowestoft.

First Light Festival 2024 is set to return to Lowestoft. Picture: First Light Festival CICFirst Light Festival 2024 is set to return to Lowestoft. Picture: First Light Festival CIC (Image: First Light Festival CIC)

And shining on South Beach with 40,000 people expected to flock to First Light Festival 2024 on June 22/23 it will see arts, music, dance, poetry, comedy, science and much more taking centre stage for this fantastic free event.

Organisers First Light CIC this week said that with the countdown now on for First Light Festival 2024 - which kicks off at noon on Saturday, June 22 - with over 24 hours of free events to enjoy it is now time to start planning your festival weekend.

First Light Festival 2024 is set to return to Lowestoft. Picture: First Light Festival CICFirst Light Festival 2024 is set to return to Lowestoft. Picture: First Light Festival CIC (Image: First Light Festival CIC)

Where is it?

The festival takes place on Lowestoft's South Beach, as well as at Kensington Gardens, the Upper Esplanade and Jubilee Parade.

A scene from First Light Festival 2023. Picture: Mykola RomanovskyA scene from First Light Festival 2023. Picture: Mykola Romanovsky (Image: Mykola Romanovsky)

There are a number of music and event sites around the beach, while events will also be held at Mossy's nightclub in Lowestoft, the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield, St John & St Peter’s Church in Kirkley, at the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club in Lowestoft and at East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft.

Festival Planner

For the full Festival programme download the Festival Planner.

Wild Beach Camping

Wild Beach Camping at First Light Festival. Picture: First Light Festival CICWild Beach Camping at First Light Festival. Picture: First Light Festival CIC (Image: First Light Festival CIC)

Camping at First Light is a unique experience amongst the sand dunes just a short distance away from the festival site - with a one or two night option if you want to make a whole weekend and start the festival celebrations early.

Wild Beach Camping at First Light Festival. Picture: First Light Festival CICWild Beach Camping at First Light Festival. Picture: First Light Festival CIC (Image: First Light Festival CIC)

Join the Sunrise Club

An unmissable part of First Light Festival is Dawn - and this year you can watch the sunrise while listening to a Dawn Piper and recharge your batteries with a dawn yoga session by the sea.

First Light artist-in-residence Steve Pretty will perform followed by a new piece composed by Alex Groves and performed by Nic Pendlebury.

Lowestoft sculptor, performance and video artist Alexander Costello will be attempting to ‘jump over the sun’ as Festival headliner Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy takes to the decks with her Balearic Breakfast.

A delicious fish feast will also be served by the shore to anyone who joins the Sunrise Club.

Sundown Events

Don’t forget to book your Sundown Events tickets too!

For those who want to keep the party going on Saturday night, there are a range of events to enjoy once the beach programme ends at dusk.

While First Light is free and unticketed, the only time you will need a ticket is if you want to attend one of the festival's Sundown Events on Saturday night once the free beach programme finishes at 9.30pm.

Choose between comedian Shaparak Khorsandi at The Seagull Theatre, a Silent Disco at East Point Pavilion, Coco María Afterparty at Mossy’s Nightclub and Jazz Unlimited Trio at the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club.

Tickets cost £12 to £14 via firstlightlowestoft.com/ticketed

Meanwhile ‘Moonlit Soundscapes’ - a varied jazz and classical programme at St Peter and St John Church - is free and unticketed to attend.