A TWO-month programme of events to celebrate the role of older people in East Sussex is returning – bigger and better than ever.

An eclectic mix of nearly 150 events and activities for the over-50s will be held across the county in September and October, to celebrate Older People’s Day on October 1 2016.

The programme, based on the theme ‘Full of Life’, is backed by East Sussex County Council and East Sussex Seniors’ Association, in partnership with leisure centres, local councils, charities and community and voluntary organisations.

Activities on offer include taster sessions in sports and wellbeing activities, health walks, coffee mornings, information and craft fairs, film screenings and reminiscence events.

Kate Davies, chair of East Sussex Seniors’ Association, said: “Older People’s Day celebrations in East Sussex get bigger and better every year – and this year we’ve almost doubled the number of events on offer.

“There is a wide range of activities for people to choose from and many of the events are free, so we’re hoping more people than ever before will take advantage of what’s on offer.”

Events being held include the fourth International Soup Festival at the All Saints Centre, in Lewes, an LGBT Older People’s Day event at The Y Centre, in St Leonards, and a Good Life show at the Winter Garden in Eastbourne, with stalls covering health, fitness, hobbies, leisure and learning.

Cllr Bill Bentley, East Sussex County Council lead member for adult social care, said: “Older people can’t be pigeonholed and the huge variety of different activities reflects this.

“The events offer people the chance to get out, make new friends, try something new and maybe find an activity they like which they can keep doing.”

A booklet with details of all the events on offer is available now online or from libraries, leisure centres, council offices or through community or voluntary organisations.

The booklet includes contact details for people to book places, where necessary, prices where applicable, details of how to get to the venue and help available with transport.

The booklet can be downloaded from www.eastsussex.gov.uk/olderpeoplesday