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A special community event is being held in Hastings to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI in 1824 this week.
It will take place on the Stade open space, in Hastings Old Town, this Thursday (August 1).
In addition the Hastings Old Town Carnival Week organisers have agreed to start their week two days early this year to incorporate the RNLI's milestone event.
The week’s official opening ceremony, including the crowning of the carnival queen, will start the celebrations, which will include local dancers, live music, shanty singers (including Tom Kelly), Brit Award winning musician Blair & Friends, and Groove UK.
At 1824 (6.24pm) there will be a special 200 maroon salute to mark the anniversary, maroons being the traditional way of launching the lifeboat.
Local volunteers from different branches of the RNLI will be around all afternoon, and merchandise will also be available. In addition, the lifeboat house, adjacent to the event site, will be open until 8pm, allowing visitors to look at the lifeboat close up and personal (emergency launches permitting).
The event runs from 3pm until 8pm, with gates opening at 1pm.