Published on 18th May 2011

It has today been revealed that Cheltenham has been selected to host an evening celebration event when the Olympic flame comes to the borough on 23 May 2012.

As part of its journey through the UK, Cheltenham's residents and visitors will have a one-off opportunity to see the flame and celebrate all that it stands for.

Cheltenham is one of 66 evening celebration locations across the UK confirmed today by the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).  The evening events will offer thousands of people the opportunity to come together and get involved in celebrations and share in the Olympic spirit.  As part of the events LOCOG and the Presenting Partners, Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, will stage exciting entertainment shows where a cauldron will be lit from the Olympic Flame, marking the end of the day's proceedings.

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for sport and culture said:  "I'm delighted that Cheltenham has been chosen to host a celebration event in the build up to the 2012 Olympics. This is a great opportunity for people from all over Gloucestershire to participate in the biggest sporting event to be held in Britain for fifty years.  I urge everyone in Cheltenham to get involved in this once in a lifetime event.''

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: ''We are thrilled that Cheltenham Borough Council has agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK.  The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across Cheltenham, celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of Gloucestershire.  We have no doubt that the welcome Cheltenham will provide will demonstrate how the spirit of the Olympic Games is reaching out across the UK and excitement builds as the start of the 2012 Games draws closer.''

 

Find out more details about the route.


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