16 May 2012
As the Olympic Torch Relay kicks off this Friday, Eastbourne is gearing up to welcome the momentous occasion on Tuesday 17 July with plans for a free celebration party and sports day in Princes Park.
As the Olympic Flame passes through the streets of Eastbourne, residents will be able to celebrate this once in a lifetime opportunity, and cheer on the torch bearers both on the streets and via big screen in Princes Park, complete with live music and sports day fun.
The giant screen will show live footage of the torch arrival as it approaches Eastbourne, followed by the journey of the 18 torch bearers passing through the town from 15.18pm onwards. The torch relay will pass the festivities in Princes Park before waving goodbye as it continues onto Pevensey Bay with live footage of the onward journey on screen.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness at first hand the most spectacular event Britain will see for generations. This will be a day to remember and something to tell your kids, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.”
The celebration runs from 11am to 5pm with a full day of sporting action from Eastbourne Sports Centres who will run free activities including football, athletics, tennis, table tennis and basketball, plus the Play Ranger will include fun activities for kids.
A live roadshow will feature music, fun and games with a live band performance, catering stalls and audience members can even join in the fun and appear on the big screen themselves.
Children are being encouraged to make their own flame shakers, maracas, flaming headdresses and hats with ‘how to’ guides on the website, and schools and organisations can access schools resources online and order their own free celebration packs, featuring bunting, flags and banners.
The torch relay route begins in torch mode along Kings Drive, Lewes Road, Upper Avenue, Cavendish Bridge, Ashford Road, Susan’s Road, Seaside Road, Cavendish Place, Marine Parade and Royal Parade, passing by the festivities at Princes Park.
The last part of the route will see the torch travel along Princes Road with wide grass verges either side giving great opportunities for visitors and residents to come along and watch. At the end of Princes Road the torch will head along Pevensey Bay Road and will finish its Eastbourne torch mode visit at 16:35 at MonarchGardens opposite the CrumblesRetailPark.
An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
To find out about local events taking place on Torch Relay day in Eastbourne or to tell us about how you intend to welcome the torch to Eastbourne, email events@eastbourne.gov.uk or call 01323 415442.
For more information, ‘how to’ guides, a route map and to order a celebration pack visit the VisitEastbourne website.
