Olympic Torch Relay to visit Derby and Derbyshire in 2012

18 May 2011

The Olympic Torch Relay is coming to Derby and Derbyshire in 2012.

Derby is one of only 59 locations outside London which have been given the honour of hosting an Olympic Torch Relay evening celebration in the run up to the Olympic Games in 2012.

The event will take place on Friday, June 29, 2012.

The other communities that the Torch Relay will visit within the county will be confirmed in November 2011.

Derby City Council Chief Executive Adam Wilkinson said: "We are delighted to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay to Derby. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and puts Derby firmly on the world map. Our city is diverse in many ways so we are well placed to show the world just how wonderful Derby is and how excited we are to be part of the world's celebrations of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Derbyshire County Council Leader Andrew Lewer said: "This is really exciting news – the spotlight will be firmly on Derbyshire in the build up to the Olympics next summer. The Torch Relay through the county will be a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate our strong community spirit and to show the world what Derbyshire has to offer."

Rory Slater, Derbyshire's 2012 Legacy Coordinator, added: "In 408 days we will welcome the world to our doorstep in Derby and Derbyshire. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase what is great about our city and county, to demonstrate to the world how we embrace the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence, whilst creating another piece of history for our city and county leaving a lasting legacy for everyone to be proud of."

In Derby, a series of cultural celebrations are being planned which will take place at various city locations including Darley Park.

The Olympic Flame will be welcomed to Derby on the evening of June 29, where the Celebration Cauldron will be lit followed by an exciting ceremony and stage show. All the events and activities will be free of charge and open to everyone.

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