Olympic 2012 Torch Relay – North East of England Guide

Olympics 2012 Torch Relay – North East of England Guide

It’s real, the Olympics 2012 is almost here in The North East of England and the Olympic Torch Relay has already begun!

The torch was lit in Greece and  the Olympic Flame arrived in the UK on the 18th May 2012 (I even sacrificed  sleep to witness this historic moment)

Quick Facts

• The Flame will travel through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK
• Olympic torch relay will last 70 days
• The flame stands for peace, unity and friendship.
• It will be carried by 8,000 truly inspirational Torchbearers.
• The flame is lit  from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games.
• The flame ends its journey as the last Torchbearer lights the Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, marking the official start of the Games. The Flame then stays lit until it is put out at the Closing Ceremony, signifying the end of the Games.

Dates, Routes and North East TorchBearers

14th – 20th June 2012

Thursday 14 June – Day 27: Berwick to Alnwick

Routes:  berwick-upon-tweed  bamburgh  alnwick  (more routes)

TorchBearers:  berwick-upon-tweed  bamburgh  alnwick  (more torchbearers)

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Friday 15 June – Day 28: Alnwick to Newcastle

Routes:  alnwick  north-shields  newcastle-upon-tyne  (more routes)

TorchBearers:  alnwick  north-shields  newcastle-upon-tyne (more torchbearers)

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Saturday 16 June – Day 29: Gateshead to Durham

Routes:  gateshead  south-shields  sunderland  durham (more routes)

TorchBearers: gateshead  south-shields  sunderland  durham  (more torchbearers)

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Sunday 17 June – Day 30: Durham to Middlesbrough

Routes:   durham  darlington  middlesbrough  (more routes)

TorchBearers: durham  darlington  middlesbrough  (more torchbearers)

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Monday 18 June – Day 31: Middlesbrough to Loftus

Routes:  middlesbrough  saltburn-by-the-sea  redcar  loftus  (more routes)

TorchBearers:  middlesbrough  saltburn-by-the-sea  redcar  loftus  (more torchbearers)

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Wednesday 20 June – Day 33: York to Carlisle

Routes: barnard-castle  (more routes)

TorchBearers: barnard-castle  (more torchbearers)

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Paralympic Torch

The North East Flame Celebration will take place on Friday 24 August at Beamish, in County Durham, from 5pm to 8pm. The celebration will host the Flame and showcase disability sport projects from every local authority in the North East. Read more.

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