London city is planning to stage one of the most spectacular welcomes Chester has ever seen, on May 29th 2012, and one of the most ambitious in the journey of the Torch around the country.
Whilst details of the event are still being developed, Cheshire West and Chester Council has revealed that Cheshire Dance are forming a unique creative partnership with a major performance team of aerialists, pyrotechnicians, light and sound designers and event engineers to dazzle the Cheshire West audience.
The free event will welcome the Olympic Torch to the stage, lighting the Celebration Cauldron and announcing the arrival of the Olympic Flame, on day 11 of its journey around the UK.
Alongside professional dancers, the Chester event is expected to include a diverse cast of up to 500 dancers from Cheshire schools and community groups, using an iconic location as a backdrop for the show that will enthrall both the Chester and television audience.
Cheshire Dance supports dance across the region, encouraging participation and professional development. It specialises in opening access to all ages and abilities, delivering high profile dance events in unusual civic spaces and working with a wide spectrum of the community as audiences and participants. The Chester event aims to attract dancers from across Cheshire to participate in ‘The Moment When ...' a performance created for the Olympic Torch event.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: "We are thrilled that Cheshire West and Chester Council has agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK. The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across Cheshire, celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of Cheshire.
"We have no doubt that the welcome Cheshire 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."
Said Cheshire West and Chester Council leader, Councillor Mike Jones: "We are extremely proud to be chosen as one of the celebration sites for the Olympic Torch as it makes its way to the opening of the London games next year.
Taunton Deane Borough Council has announced it is looking forward to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when the Ionic Olympic Torch Relay visits the county town this time next year as part of the nationwide tour in 2012.
The Olympic flame – symbol of the biggest sporting event in the world – will be coming to Taunton on May 21st 2012 when the whole town will light up with an evening of top class entertainment showcasing Somerset's culture and heritage thanks to investment and support from Taunton Deane Borough Council.
Cllr Mark Edwards, Chairman of the Olympic Torch Steering Group in Taunton Deanesaid:"We are delighted and honoured that Taunton is going to share in what is one of the most iconic features of the world greatest sporting event, The Olympic Flame.
"The Torch coming to the county town of Somerset will ignite the enthusiasm in the whole area for the 2012 Olympics and we look forward to this event becoming a centre piece of celebrations for the Games in Taunton Deane.
This will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Taunton and its community and will spread the Olympic spirit across Somerset. The prestige of hosting the Olympic Torch will really put Taunton on the map."
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "We are thrilled that Taunton Deane has agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK. The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across Taunton celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of Taunton – and Somerset.
We have no doubt that the welcome Taunton Deane 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."
Taunton is one of 66 Evening Celebrations across the UK confirmed 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.
Council leader Bell added: “This gives all borough residents the opportunity to get involved in the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event.
“Walpole Park is a wonderful location as a venue for our popular summer festival, we know it works well for big events and will provide a welcoming atmosphere.”
Organisers LOCOG are encouraging nominations for people with inspirational stories to be among the 8,000 to run with the torch.
As an overnight host, Ealing Council will nominate two people to carry the torch.
These two will be decided through an online competition on the council website later this month.
“The Olympic Torch Relay brings London 2012 to the doorsteps of the UK giving everybody the chance to celebrate the London Games,” said Olympics minister Hugh Robertson.
“It’s a magnificent showcase for the country and a chance to mark the achievements of inspirational people in our communities.”
The torch relay route starts in Lands End on May 19, touring through England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and six island visits, finishing at the opening ceremony on July 27.
LOCOG estimates 95% of the population will be within a one-hour journey of the torch relay.
