Royal Tunbridge Wells welcomes the Olympic Flame

On July 17 2012, just ten days before the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Royal Tunbridge Wells will welcome the Olympic Flame as it begins its journey through the county of Kent.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is proud to have been chosen to be the point of entry for the Olympic Torch into Kent as part of the 70-day- long tour of the UK. It is also the only place in the county the Torch will be visiting on 17 July.

Councillor Bob Atwood, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Leader said: ‘It is wonderful news that the town has been chosen to receive the Torch, we have made no secret of the fact that we wanted to see the Olympic Flame come to the borough. The visit of the Torch can only enhance the town’s rich historical and cultural heritage.’

The Torch Relay is just one of a number of events taking place in the borough of Tunbridge Wells during 2012 which, as well as the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, also celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The borough council is planning a year of celebrations encompassing these events to include live screening of the Olympic Games’ opening in Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells. Sports and cultural events throughout the year, community arts events and lighting of special beacons for the Jubilee events on 4 June.

Funding will be made available to town and parish councils and community groups to enable local communities to celebrate the events of 2012. Applications will be accepted from the today, 7 November. Anyone wishing to apply for a grant can find full information on the council’s website www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Full details of the route for the Olympic Torch Relay will follow and will be announced nearer the time when we will be able to let people from across the borough know how and where they will be able to see the Flame.

For its tour of the UK the London 2012 Olympic Torch, representing peace, unity and friendship, will be carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers, each nominated by members of the public and each with their own unique story to share. The design of the Torch consists of 8,000 small circles representing the inspirational stories of the Torchbearers.

 

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