23 May 2012
With the Olympic Torch Relay now well underway, local bands and entertainers are being invited to sign up for street performances on route, as the momentous event heads to the streets of Eastbourne on 17 July.
First to pledge their support, The Pentacle Drummers, have already volunteered to join the route, performing at the Pier head for crowds of supporters, photographers and camera crews arriving in the afternoon.
The local band, some of whom have appeared in music videos for Dizzee Rascal and Florence and the Machine, aim to bring their powerful tribal-esque rhythms to the celebration complete with their traditional green and red tatter coats and face make up, for the waiting crowds.
Greg Draven of the Pentacle Drummers said “We love our home town, and the Olympic torch coming to Eastbourne is a once in a lifetime event that we are honoured and thrilled to be a part of."
Organisers are encouraging local bands, choirs and musicians to volunteer and join in the fun at key points along the route on Tuesday 17 July including:
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Upper Avenue
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End of Leaf Road
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End of Tideswell Road
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End of Longstone Road
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Seaside Road (outside Gordon Busbridge)
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Sea Houses Square (Marine Parade)
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Redoubt Fortress
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Fishermans Green
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Princes Park
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Five Acre Field (Princes Road)
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Princes Road (past Middleton Drive)
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Princes Road (opposite Ramsay Way)
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Langney Roundabout (lay by)
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Langney Green (lay by)
Bands will be asked to perform for waiting crowds at their allocated spot between 3pm and 4.45pm, and be part of Eastbourne’s celebration. TV cameras will capture the journey of the torch through Eastbourne, with live footage displayed via giant TV screen for crowds in Princes Park.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone to join together in the celebration and cheer on this momentous event. We’ve some fantastic local musicians and it would great to see our wonderful talent on display as the magnificent torch and the cavalcade of TV cameras pass through the streets of Eastbourne.”
The torch relay arrives in Eastbourne at 15.18 on Kings Drive and departs at 16.35 at Monarch Gardens, opposite the Crumbles Retail Park. The festivities include a free party in Princes Park 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 and audience members can even join in the fun and appear on the big screen themselves. Catering stall opportunities are also available for local caterers at Princes Park during the day.
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.
To volunteer, musicians should contact the Events team on 01323 415442 or email Andrew.tourle@eastbourne.gov.uk.
For more information, ‘how to’ guides, a route map and to order a celebration pack visit our website.
