THOUSANDS of residents have already gathered at the Western Lawns today (Saturday) as the 999 Show is officially opens with a packed schedule of events.
The Deputy Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Hugh Parker opened the show in front of the parade of all the emergency workers and volunteers attending the event, which replaced the traditional vehicle cavalcade along the seafront.
The popular two-day event takes place from today (12 July) and continues until Sunday.
Hugh told Eastbourne News: “I encourage all visitors to support the emergency services who attend the show as well as the vital volunteers who are active here in Eastbourne.
“The event is very important for the town as it shows all the public services we offer in this town who also probably all live locally. I think this event just shows you the quality of the people who live in this town and the service they’re prepared to offer the people who live here.”
Visitors of all ages have the chance to get up close with fire engines, ambulances, police vehicles, coastguard equipment and more, as crews from across the emergency services showcase their life-saving skills and vital work.
Nick Dias, East Sussex Divisional Commander for Sussex Police said: “The event is a massive opportunity for us to engage with the general public and show them who we are and what we do, and build the relationship with the public.
“The volunteer services do a fantastic job, and we’ve got so many of them here today, they’re all an incredibly important asset to the community.”
This year’s action-packed programme features everything from road traffic collision simulations, where police, fire and ambulance teams work together to ‘rescue’ trapped passengers, to a dramatic chip pan fire demonstration by East Sussex Fire and Rescue.
You’ll also be able to see a drone display, a coastguard rescue mission out at sea and a police dog display in the arena.
There will also be appearances from East Sussex Fire and Rescue cadets, community first responders and a wide range of volunteer support services from across the county, giving a real insight into the teamwork behind every emergency response.
