St Columb’s Park to host Olympic event

LONDONDERRY will welcome the London 2012 Olympic Torch relay with a large scale evening event at St Columb’s Park next year.

The Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration event will take place on Monday, June 4, offering people from across the North West region the opportunity to mark the Olympic Flame’s arrival and celebrate and share in the Olympic Spirit.

As part of the celebrations, a range of events aimed at spreading the message of ‘peace, unity and friendship’ will be organised that will allow the public to celebrate this unique celebration for the city.

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Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney said St Columb’s Park was the perfect location to host the evening celebrations.

“The arrival of the Olympic Torch in the city will be a special occasion for everyone and we are very excited at the prospect of hosting a large scale celebratory event.

“St Columb’s Park is an ideal location for the celebrations and we look forward to hosting the Olympic Torch and allowing the public to join in the torch journey and be part of the London 2012 event,” he said.

Londonderry is one of 66 Evening Celebration locations across the UK hosting an Evening Celebration as the Olympic Flame makes its journey around the UK during the 70 day London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

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Sebastian Coe, Chair of London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), said: “We have no doubt that Derry City Council will help to stage an Evening Celebration event that captures the excitement, passion and spirit of the Olympic Torch Relay as it comes to rest in Derry~Londonderry.

“The event will provide the perfect opportunity to invite the local community to welcome the Olympic Flame and shine a light on the culture and heritage of the area.”

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday, May 18, 2012 and the 70 day Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of the May 19, 2012.

On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame is expected to travel an estimated 8,000 miles across the UK, giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to their doorstep.

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The Olympic Flame will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Details about the timing of the event, how many people will be able to attend, who will be performing and how people can attend are currently being finalised. More information will be available through www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay and in local press nearer to the start of the Olympic Torch Relay next year.

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