Sovereign Shines – Marina of Magic 2025

Application Form

Help us light up the harbour this Christmas and fill our community with festive joy at this year’s spectacular Sovereign Shines!

Sovereign Shines – Marina of Magic is a cherished waterfront tradition where boats transform into glowing works of art and the marina sparkles with colour, creativity, and Christmas cheer. This uplifting light-up-your-boat celebration invites skippers of every kind to illuminate their vessels and help create a truly magical experience for visitors and neighbours alike. People from across the area will be flocking to see the displays—so don’t miss your moment to steal the spotlight, spread joy, and be part of something that brings the whole community together.

To enter, simply complete your details on the application form and transform your boat into a glowing showpiece. Once your masterpiece is ready, send a photograph to sovereignshines@eastbournewaterfront.co.uk along with your pontoon berth number. Every entry adds to the magic, and we’re so grateful to everyone who takes part and brings Christmas joy to our community.

As a thank-you for helping light up the harbour, every boat that registers and takes part will receive £5 electric credit to support your festive display.

Lights must be up and registered by Thursday 11th December, in time for our onshore Sovereign Shines festive entertainment. This ensures your display is included in the judging, which will take place on 12th December 2025. Winners will be announced during the week of 16th December via email. As a courtesy to your neighbours, please remember to switch your lights off by 10pm.

Together, let’s create a harbour full of light, wonder, and Christmas spirit – your contribution will make the season brighter for everyone.

Judging Categories

  • Best Overall – The most magical, dazzling, and captivating boat display of the competition.

  • Merry Mast-erpiece – Recognising the most creative and spectacular use of the boat’s mast in the display.

  • Little & Pretty – Celebrating minimalistic displays that shine with charm and festive creativity.

  • Big & Bright – Honouring boats with bold, eye-catching, and brilliantly illuminated designs.

Prizes

Exciting prizes will be awarded in each category.

The Best Overall will win a

Lift, high pressure wash and launch*
courtesy of Premier Sovereign Harbour Boatyard

*Prize only available to boats up to 14 meters.

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Telephone Number (required)

    Boat Light Display

    Boat Name

    Pontoon Berth Number

    Boat Location

    Entry Category

    Entries need to be made by Thursday 11th December and are restricted to one per category. This will help us to ensure that your display is included in the judging which will take place on Friday 12th December. Winners will be announced the week of 15th December via email.

    The competition will be judged by a panel comprising employees of Premier Marinas Limited. The judges’ decision is final and there are no cash alternatives to the prizes. The judges will be looking for the best dressed boats and will award prizes accordingly. By entering this competition you signify your agreement that your boat may be photographed and that photography may be published.

    You also agree that your competition entry form may be stored by Premier Marinas until 22nd December after which time it will be destroyed. Select YES to confirm that you are in agreement with this condition. The names of the competition winners will be made available to enquirers after 16th December.