CHESTER will welcome the Olympic Torch on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, with the torch leaving the city the following morning.
The confirmation came this week from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games.
In being chosen as a host location for this historic occasion Cheshire West and Chester Council will be extending an invitation to local people and from the region to visit the city and be part of the unique event.
Planning is well advanced to stage a spectacular celebration event close to the city centre involving hundreds of performers and the world renown performance company Walk the Plank. This will follow a special welcome by the city itself as the relay makes its way to the celebration site.
The torch itself will be carried into the city by torchbearers selected through the national nomination process for their outstanding personal stories of achievement, courage and community contribution.
The relay will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the torchbearers and share their moment to shine
Chester is one of more than 1,000 villages, towns and cities announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay which is presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.
LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in the North West to devise the route.
Councillor Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “Chester is extremely proud to host the historic visit of the Olympic torch.
“We are working hard to ensure that celebrations around the visit and special activities throughout the Olympic and Paralympic year, bring communities together making it one never to be forgotten.
“As soon as you get your new 2012 diaries and calendars make sure you mark May 29 as a special day to ensure you are in the city that evening to be part of this historic event.”
Sebastian Coe, chair of LOCOG said: “We are thrilled to confirm that Chester will act as host location for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people in Cheshire West and Chester to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK.”
The 70-day Olympic Torch Relay, will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of May 19 2012.
On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them.
