The search for Torch Bearers begins

One year to go until the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) have revealed the dates and locations for the evening celebration events, and island visits on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route.  The announcement of these events and visits is the first stage in confirming the route the Olympic Flame will take around the UK.

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece and the 70 day Olympic Torch Relay which is presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012.

On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame is expected to 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. It will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers . it is estimated that 95% of the population will be within a one hour journey time of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: ‘The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across every Nation and Region of the UK and showcase the very best of who we are and where we live. The first locations on the route confirmed today give a flavour of the reach the Olympic Torch Relay will have around the UK and how extensive the opportunity for starting to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games will be.’

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 each evening to enjoy a variety of entertainment and shows staged by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners with the support of the host Local Authority. Each celebration event will differ 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.

Also confirmed today are 6 island visits to the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Shetland, Orkney and the Isle of Lewis where a community led celebration to welcome the Olympic Flame will be held and Torchbearers will run in relay.

LOCOG also confirms today that the feasibility of taking the Olympic Flame on a short visit to Dublin is being explored with all the relevant parties.

Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics, said: ‘The Olympic Torch Relay brings London 2012 to the doorsteps of the UK giving everybody the chance to celebrate the London Games. It’s a magnificent showcase for the country and a chance to mark the achievements of inspirational people in our communities.’