Olympic torch in East Sussex

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Want to help with the torch route in Hastings? See below to find out how.

The Olympic torch relay has begun, with 8,000 inspirational people taking turns to carry the Olympic Flame across the UK.

The torch will finish its journey on Friday 27 July as it arrives at the Olympic Stadium in London for the opening ceremony.

Relay route and evening celebrations in East Sussex

The torch route

The Olympic torch relay route has been planned so that most people are within an hour of the flame. It will come through East Sussex from 16 to 18 July 2012 and stay overnight in Brighton & Hove (16 July) and Hastings (17 July).

Both places will hold evening celebrations with exciting entertainment shows where you can get involved and share the Olympic spirit. A cauldron will be lit from the Olympic flame, marking the end of the day's proceedings.

Other towns, villages and landmarks on the relay route include:

  1. Crowborough
  2. Lewes
  3. Eastbourne
  4. Pevensey Bay
  5. Bexhill
  6. St Leonards
  7. Rye
  8. the Seven Sisters.

For street by street route details and to watch a film about the torch relay, see the London 2012 website.

How you can help

Hastings Borough Council need volunteers to help marshal the torch's visit to Hastings. They are asking for help on:

  • Tuesday 17 July, 1pm to 11pm
  • Wednesday 18 July, 7.30am to 10pm.

If you are interested in helping, or want to find out more about what is involved, please email olympictorch@hastings.gov.uk or phone 01424 451130.

Find out how you can cheer on the local torchbearers as they pass through the county.

Paralympic torch relay

The Paralympic torch relay takes place after the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. Four flames will be lit in the capital cities around the UK.

  • Friday 24 August – London
  • Saturday 25 August – Greater Belfast
  • Sunday 26 August – Edinburgh
  • Monday 27 August – Cardiff

On Tuesday 28 August the flames will be brought together at Stoke Mandeville, and then torchbearers will work in teams of five on a 24-hour relay carrying the flame to the Olympic Stadium in London.

For more information, please see:

Who are the torchbearers

During summer 2011 the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) and its partners asked people to nominate torchbearers who have a story of achievement or help their local community.

Over 7,300 torchbearers have now been confirmed. More names will be confirmed over the coming months. Find out who will be carrying the torch on the London 2012 website: