The report, which is the outcome of
two years of research, focuses on the financial and social impact of the
Bexhill After Dark light festival on local residents.
It also investigates what implications the reputation of the town among its young people and residents of diverse heritage may have for public policy.
This year's event attracted a live festival audience of 12,000 – the equivalent of a third of Bexhill's total population.
Among other things, the report found that many of the residents who had moved to Bexhill over the past decade had come in search of affordable housing, stable employment and sometimes security.
While most were content with their move, many of them, especially young people and the town's ethnically diverse community, want more leisure centres to meet and socialize.
They also want indoor and outdoor facilities offering sports and creative activities that reflect their interest.
Dr Adam Jones, who is also Programme Director for Help to Grow Management, said:
"Each January, the Bexhill After Dark festival lights up the town's seafront and public spaces with illuminated sculptures, light shows and community parades.
"It is the only event of its kind in Bexhill and an important focus for the town."
He added:
"It has been fantastic to engage with the event organiser 18 Hours in this research project to analyse the benefits, both economic and social, of the festival.
"By working in partnership in this way, we've been able to gain access to groups such as local businesses and volunteer groups that would not always be possible as an academic.
"What we've discovered also helps to reinforce the cultural value and importance of local, free-to-attend art festivals in the regeneration of struggling seaside towns."
To help cement the event's success, businesses in Bexhill will now be invited to join a new After Dark Business Network to support planning and share good practice to maximise policy and engagement opportunities from the 2025 festival.