Eastbourne Crematorium opens its doors on Wednesday 9 September, 11am to 3pm: behind-the-scenes tours, talks on funeral costs and direct cremation, free entry.

Eastbourne Crematorium is holding a free open day on Wednesday 9 September, from 11am to 3pm, with behind-the-scenes tours of the building and grounds at Hide Hollow in Langney.

No booking is needed. The crematorium’s own open day page says visitors can drop in at any time between 11am and 3pm, and there will be complimentary tea, coffee and cake.

On the day, visitors can:

  • take a behind-the-scenes tour of the crematorium and the cemetery grounds
  • meet the staff who run the site and ask questions about how cremation works
  • hear talks on direct cremation, planning ahead for end-of-life wishes and understanding funeral costs

Why the council is doing this

The event is a deliberate response to public unease about the funeral industry. In the council’s announcement, Councillor Candy Vaughan, Cabinet Member for Community and Accessibility, said: “The horrendous criminal case concerning a funeral director in Hull has understandably raised questions and concerns for many people about the funeral sector. We want to reassure residents about the services provided here in Eastbourne, and this open day is an opportunity to see for themselves the care, professionalism and attention to detail that underpin everything we do.”

The council says the day will show “the checks and standards that help ensure every cremation is carried out with dignity, care and respect”, and that industry professionals will be on hand alongside the crematorium team to answer questions about arranging a funeral and the support available to bereaved families.

“Many people have questions about cremation but are unsure who to ask,” Councillor Vaughan added. “The open day provides a welcoming and informal opportunity to learn more about what happens behind the scenes.”

What it means for you

If you have ever wondered what actually happens at a cremation, or wanted to compare funeral costs without sitting across a desk from a salesperson, this is a rare chance to ask everything in one visit, with no appointment and no commitment.

The practical details:

  • Where: Eastbourne Crematorium, Hide Hollow, Langney, Eastbourne BN23 8AE
  • When: Wednesday 9 September, drop in any time between 11am and 3pm
  • Cost: free, no booking required
  • Contact: 01323 761093 or crematorium@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

The crematorium, run by the borough council, also holds regular community choir and grief cafe events for anyone dealing with a bereavement.

Sources