We are very excited that Norwich has been chosen as one of the destination cities for the Olympic Torch Relay.
The Torch will arrive in Norwich on Wednesday 4 July and there will be a special celebration event in Chapelfield Gardens that evening hosted by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG). On Thursday 5 July the Torch will leave Norwich to continue its journey to London where the final flame will be lit on Friday 27 July 2012 to mark the start of the 2012 Games.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our communities to join in with the Olympic celebrations in 2012, and there are many ways that you can be involved either as an individual or as part of your community group, sports club or arts organisation.
The Torch Relay will form part of a week of Olympic celebrations in Norwich which will include the Lord Mayor’s Street Procession on Saturday 7 July and a weekend of sporting activities, theatre, dance, street fayres, music, markets, fireworks, stages and a variety of performances on the streets; it will be a whole city celebration.
The city will be incredibly busy and we anticipate thousands of people lining the Torch’s route and joining the evening celebration, cheering the Torchbearers as they proudly bring the Olympic Flame to the city. The route will be animated with inspirational activities created by arts organisations and communities who will work together to design and make giant puppets, flags, massive bunting, human pyramids and lots more. There will be great fun for all.
The Torch Relay will create lasting memories for those taking part, as well as putting Norwich on the world map.
Torchbearers
Around 30 Torchbearers, nominated by the community, will be selected to run with the Torch in Norwich. Torchbearers will run through Norfolk on Wednesday 4 July, reaching the city boundary just before 6pm, continuing their journey to the city centre, and arriving at Chapelfield Gardens for the evening celebration. The last Torchbearer will run on stage and light a cauldron with the Olympic Flame at 7pm, which will be broadcast live.
On the route
There will be plenty going on along the route in the lead up to the Torch’s arrival, with activities happening in parks, open spaces and streets. There will be people arriving to welcome the Torch, and different groups entertaining the crowds by performing along the route.
The celebration site
Celebrations in Chapelfield Gardens will start at 5pm on Wednesday 4 July with a specially programmed two-hour Olympic stage show, culminating in the arrival of the Torch. The show will include 20 minutes of performances showcasing the best of our local talent which will give a distinct sense of our community. This will finish shortly after 7pm.