Think of Eastbourne and you are more likely to conjure up a picturesque retirement setting than a musical and cultural mecca.

But district heads are hoping to change that by unleashing a wealth of talent on the streets for the town's first festival.

Eastbourne Festival Live will see the town transformed into a lively cultural hub for two weeks.

The event, which is being planned by Eastbourne Borough Council, musical collective EBM Live, promotions experts RedHot and the Funktion Rooms, will feature the best of the town's talent from musicians to comedians and performers.

The festival kicks off on March 15 and ends with a two-day musical extravaganza of big-name acts in the Winter Gardens in Compton Street on March 28-29.

Indie pop icon Jack Penate will be accompanied by Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe on the main stage on March 28 as well as a melting pot of local and touring bands including Eastbourne's The Late Greats, Brighton's Rob The Rich and Adam Ficek from Babyshambles.

A second stage will host live new music from students at Sussex Downs College.

The second day will be headlined by Drum and Bass stars Pendulum, DJ Hype, MC Verse and MCIC3. They will be supported by new-comers Ctrl Zand local talent X-Faders and Twisted Up Promotions.

One of the organisers behind the event is EBM live, a council-backed initiative supporting the development and provision of live music in the town and surrounding areas.

The group includes members from music venues, universities, colleges and schools and the council. It is also behind Eastbourne Extreme, a water sports festival to be held from July 19-20.

Spokesman for EBM live Adam McNaught-Davis said: ìWe are about improving the live music scene in Eastbourne.

ìBeing able to bring the region a top class event on its doorstep while offering young artists the opportunity to support the best there is is pretty exciting and a real first.î Eastbourne Borough Councillor Gregory Szanto welcomed the move. He said: ìIt's a very good thing and we welcome having it here.

ìThere are a lot of young cultural events in the town, which is tremendously good.

ìPeople may be surprised to hear this because historically Eastbourne isn't like that but there are a lot of young people concerned about music and dance who put on these kinds of events.î Tickets on sale now at £16 for March 28 and £12 for March 29.

To buy tickets call the Eastbourne Festival box office 01323 411555 . For more information visit www.eastbournefestivallive..com