Local stars set to shine at evening celebration to welcome Olympic Torch
Detailed plans are now being drawn up by Hastings Borough Council in partnership with local community groups and the emergency services for Hastings to host a free evening celebration event as part of the Olympic Torch Relay.
The celebration on the Stade Open Space in the Hastings Old Town will enable local residents to enjoy a variety of entertainment staged by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay - Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung - with the support of Hastings Borough Council.
Included in the evening programme will be two, ten-minute slots of locally-programmed entertainment during the evening celebration which will showcase a dance routine celebrating Hastings' history led by Helenswood School and a community choir led by Hastings Philharmonic Choir.
The three Presenting Partners will also each provide 20 minutes of exciting and stimulating entertainment for the event including Coca-Cola showcasing exciting up-and-coming live music act Rizzle Kicks, Lloyds TSB bringing stunning acrobatic performances to the site and Samsung staging dance performances.
Prior to and during the show, the audience will have the opportunity participate in a number of activities courtesy of Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung such as having your photograph taken with the London 2012 Torch and other Olympic-related activities.
Towards the end of the two-hour show, the last Torchbearer of the day in Hastings will light a celebration cauldron on stage at the event which will enable the Olympic Flame to be seen by the audience.
Lord Coe, Chair of LOCOG said:
"The evening celebrations give the whole family a chance to share the excitement of the Olympic Games as we countdown to the Opening Ceremony.
"The event in Hastings is set for an exciting line-up, including performances from talented local people who will give each celebration a distinct feel. I am looking forward to the series of 66 evening celebrations showing how diverse the UK's cultural life is as the eyes of the world turn our way."
James Williams, Director, Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola added:
"We are thrilled to be taking some of the nation's best loved and most exciting up-and-coming musical talent on the road for an incredible 66 night tour to give young people across the country the chance to Move to the Beat and participate in the magic of London 2012. We're encouraging everyone to join us in celebrating the Coca-Cola Future Flames who have carried the Olympic Flame through their communities by finding out more about their local events, and by getting tickets to the massive finale celebration concert in London's Hyde Park by visiting www.ticketmaster.co.uk."
Sally Hancock, Director, 2012 Partnership and Group Sponsorship at Lloyds Banking Group, said:
"As the only National Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, we're encouraging everyone to celebrate with Lloyds TSB as the Flame passes their front door. To find out how you can join in the celebrations with Lloyds TSB in your community and how local residents at each evening celebration site can win tickets to London 2012, please visit www.lloydstsb.com."
Andy Griffiths, Managing Director, Samsung UK and Ireland said:
"We are delighted to be supporting the 66 Evening Celebrations during the Olympic Torch Relay. Samsung's ambition is to make London 2012 everyone's Olympic Games and for these celebrations we have created opportunities for as many people as possible to take part in what we're sure will be an unforgettable experience."
Kevin Boorman, Head of Communications and Marketing added:
"Details of how local residents can apply for tickets for the evening event will be announced shortly. This is sure to be a popular event, and we are expecting tickets to be oversubscribed; we will make sure that we allocate tickets as fairly as possible, so please do watch this space. Unfortunately anyone without a ticket won't be able to see the show on the Stade, so we are erecting a giant screen in Pelham Place car park on the seafront. Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung will all have stands there, and official merchandise can also be bought at Pelham Place.
"If local residents are unsuccessful in getting tickets they'll still be able to enjoy the atmosphere on Hastings seafront."
The Olympic Torch Relay will start at Land's End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. On leaving Land's End, it will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them.
Volunteer stewards wanted for the Olympic Torch Relay
The visit of the Olympic Torch Relay to Hastings and the evening celebrations , will be one of the highlights of the summer. Volunteers are required to help steward the Olympic Torch Relay when it visits the town on 17 and 18 July.
The torch will be running along Bexhill Road and the seafront, through the town centre and back onto the seafront on the afternoon and early evening of Tuesday 17 July, and then up the Bourne and Old London Road, and then Rye Road, as it leaves town on the morning of Wednesday 18 July.
Groups like the Lions, Hastings Runners, the Bonfire Society, and the Carnival Association have been really supportive, but the length of route means that we need even more marshals and stewards.
More volunteers from the local community are still need to help from 1pm until 11pm on Tuesday 17 July, and from 7.30am until 10pm on Wednesday 18 July. If you're interested in helping, or learning more about what is involved, please email olympictorch@hastings.gov.uk or telephone the Olympic Torch office on 01424 451130.
Polling Station change in Ashdown Ward
A newspaper office in Hastings is to be used as a polling station following the sudden closure of a hotel in the town, where the polling station had been due to be for Thursday's local elections.
Council spokesman Kevin Boorman explained:
"We learnt just last week that the Sussex Edwardian Hotel in Eisenhower Drive, in our Ashdown Ward, had closed suddenly, and we couldn't rely on it reopening by polling day.
"We looked for premises nearby and the Hastings Observer office in Telford Road, just off Battle Road looked ideal; easily accessible, and with all the facilities we needed.
"We approached the Observer and the management and staff there have been very helpful indeed, and willingly offered their premises for use this Thursday. We are very grateful to them for their help."
So, if you usually vote in Ashdown Ward, Polling District A3 at Sussex Edwardian Hotel (formerly High Beech Hotel) don't forget that this Thursday, you'll need to cast your vote at:
Hastings Observer Offices
Woods House
Telford Road
St Leonards
TN38 9LZ
Telephone 01424 451087 or email electoralservices@hastings.gov.uk if you need any help, or further information about the change in venue.
