The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has today (Monday 19th) announced the street level route of the Olympic Torch Relay which will travel through the streets of Bitton, Longwell Green and Hanham on Tuesday 22nd May.
Torchbearer Daniel Munden, from Bristol, will carry the Olympic Flame along one stretch of the route through South Gloucestershire when he takes part in the relay during its 70-day national tour. Residents are encouraged to line the streets and cheer Daniel on at this exciting event which helps to put the area on the map.
Arriving at 5pm in Bitton, the convoy will travel along the Bath Road A431 (High Street) from the Aubrey Meads lay-by, passing (on the left hand side) The Meadows Primary School, Bitton Football Club and crossing the Cherry Gardens roundabout before travelling under the Avon Valley railway bridge.
Avon Valley Railway plan to welcome the Olympic Torch with the aid of a traditional British steam locomotive, built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns at their Newcastle works in 1944.
Crossing the Keynsham Road roundabout, the Torch will carry on up Willsbridge Hill into Longwell Green passing Willsbridge Mill, then over the roundabout onto Stonehill and Hanham High Street where it is hoped Maypole dancers will be among the cheering crowds. The convoy will leave our district around 6pm and continue its journey into Bristol.
The following day, Wednesday 23rd May, the Torch will pass through part of Filton before continuing its journey by convoy towards Chippenham.
A detailed map of the route is available on South Gloucestershire Council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/2012olympictorch and www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay.
Leader of the Council, Cllr John Calway, said:
“This is an excellent opportunity for our residents and those in the surrounding communities to see the Olympic Flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay. By passing through our high streets and alongside local shops, it really does bring the route to life and we are encouraging local residents to get involved by decorating their houses and coming out to welcome Daniel and the other Torchbearers. This will be an historic day to treasure for individuals, young and old.”
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, added:
“Today we bring the Olympic Torch Relay to life. The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets. Now the people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the Torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it South Gloucestershire’s moment to shine.”
An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on Friday 27th July for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in each Nation and Region of the UK to devise the route and is taking the Olympic Flame to within ten miles of over 95 per cent of the population.
More information:
- Detailed route and timings for Tuesday 22nd May (BBC) [PDF]
- Detailed route and timings for Wednesday 23rd May (BBC) [PDF]
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
