Olympic torch on way to city

The Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration event will take place on Monday, June 4, 2012, 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.

The Olympic Flame will travel for approximately 12 hours each day, concluding on 66 of the 70 days with an exciting early evening celebration event that will enable thousands of people to enjoy a variety of entertainment staged by London 2012 and its three Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners. Local Authorities will play a key role in providing entertainment as part of the show. Evening Celebrations will be free of charge, and each event will be different with locally programmed content on the stage which will add to the celebratory atmosphere. Many thousands more people are expected to celebrate along the route each day.

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.”

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.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of 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.”

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.