A series of free events are being held across West Sussex this July as part of the London 2012 Open Weekend – a three-day national celebration marking the countdown to the 2012 Games.

The Open Weekend takes place from Friday July 24 to Sunday July 26, giving everyone a chance to share in the countdown celebrations.

Events planned for West Sussex include leisure centre open days, family art workshops, and special events at museums, libraries and galleries.

There will also be the opportunity to meet Olympian and Paralympian athletes, including Sascha Kindred OBE, six times Paralympic Games gold medallist swimmer, and Mark Hawkins, a full-time athlete for the Great Britain Handball Team.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, Deborah Urquhart, said: “Many organisations across West Sussex have signed up to organise events. The Open Weekend enables everyone to share in the excitement of the Games, be inspired, get involved, and try something new.”

One of the events being organised for West Sussex in the run-up to the Games is the ‘Blue Touch Paper’ Carnival, designed to be the most accessible, inclusive and friendly carnival experience ever seen.

The Carnival had the honour of being selected to be part of the London 2012 Open Weekend national launch in Trafalgar Square on June 23, with London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe.

For a list of events taking place in West Sussex over the Open Weekend click here…