Londonderry to hostthe Olympic flame

The city has been named as one of 66 evening celebration locations/6 Island visits across the UK by the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). The event will take place on Monday, June 2, 2012.

The evening event will offer thousands of people the opportunity to come together and get involved in celebrations and share in the Olympic spirit.

Former Mayor Colum Eastwood said: “This is an amazing opportunity for local communities and helps showcase the city and its story. The event will connect the city with a world-class event and the experience will be a legacy for everyone.”

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “We are thrilled that Derry City Council has agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK.

“The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across Derry~Londonderry, celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of the city.

“We have no doubt that the welcome Derry City Council 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.”

The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers and once the detailed daily route is confirmed later this year, it is our aim that 95 per cent population will be within a one hour journey time, of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday, May 18, 2012 and the 70 day Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of the May 19, 2012. It will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony.