A programme of free activities is part of the celebrations to mark the official opening of Harvey Hadden Sports Village on Saturday 12 September.

The activities will showcase the state-of-the-art facilities with sessions running from 11.30am – 4.30pm for all ages and abilities.

The indoor programme features the latest workout crazes as well as taster sessions in a range of sports including squash, badminton, basketball, athletics and table tennis.

A special exhibition match featuring women’s Table Tennis England Senior No 1 Kelly Sibley will take place in the sports hall showcasing the sport.

Swimmers young and old can choose from a variety of sessions delivered by Total Swimming from paddle for a £1 to diving and deep water swimming, thanks to the adjustable pool floor. The programme will be supported by a cast of Olympic Swimmers including Nova Centurion’s Double Paralympic Medallist in London 2012 and Commonwealth Gold Medallist Ollie Hynd MBE.

Bilborough Park will host the outdoor programme with orienteering available throughout the day and a fun run (1pm). Alongside this activities will be delivered by British Cycling Go Ride on the cycling circuit and Nottingham City of Football in association with partners on the grass football pitches.

The theme for the event is Through the Decades, taking guests on a journey from the 1950s (the opening of the athletics stadium) through to the 1990s when Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre first opened to the public.

A number of guests will attend an official opening earlier in the day for speeches and a plaque unveiling. Representatives from Sport England and Speedo will speak about their involvement in the development and the future of sport in Nottingham. The Bilborough Youth Choir Network will perform a medley of songs through the decades.

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said: “We’ve pulled out all the stops to showcase the fantastic facilities during our grand opening with the support of a number of local and national partners. We hope people will come along on Saturday to enjoy the activities on offer and take the opportunity to discover for themselves what the facilities are like.”

Charles Johnston, Sport England Property Director, said: “The right facilities in the right areas are fundamental in providing more people with the opportunity to play sport. Our £2 million National Lottery investment from our Iconic Facilities fund into the Harvey Hadden Sports Village is building on the work we have been doing with Nottingham City Council to identify the best to places for sustainable and cost-effective leisure facilities that meet the needs of local residents. I hope everyone enjoys these fantastic new facilities that will help them develop a lifelong sporting habit.”

John Davis, Participation Manager for England Squash and Racketball, one of the partners supporting the day said “It is fantastic to be involved with such an exciting new facility. The three state of the art, glass backed courts will provide a fantastic lift to squash in Nottingham and are the perfect environment for anyone wanting to try the sport for the first time. We were delighted to be able to support this project and the venue will form an integral part of our exciting new plans for developing the sport within the city.”

All studio fitness classes and pool activities can be booked in advance or on the day but there are some pool sessions that must be booked in advance. To pre-book a space on these sessions call our sport and leisure hotline on 0115 876 1600.

The activities taking place on the squash courts, sports hall and outdoors are drop in sessions – just turn up and take part!

The full programme is available at: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/harveyhadden