North-East awaits Olympic Torch Relay with Bear Grylls
The Olympic torch will begin its journey through the North east tomorrow, Thursday, 14th June, when the relay arrives into north Northumberland from Scotland.
The torch will makes its way through Berwick and Bamburgh before staying overnight in Alnwick, where an evening celebration event has been organised to take place in The Pastures below Alnwick Castle, the grade I listed building recently featured in the Harry Potter films.
On Friday, 15th June, the torch parade will then leave Alnwick and pass through Hipsburn, Warkworth, Amble, Ashington, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Choppington, Stakeford, Morpeth, Bedlington and Blyth, before heading into Tyneside.
The torch will arrive into Newcastle upon Tyne at 4.47pm before travelling through the city past iconic landmarks such as Northumberland Street and St James’ Park on its way to arrival at the Tyne Bridge at 7pm where the torch will travel by zip-wire.
It has recently been announced that the torch will be carried down the zip-wire by Bear Grylls the ex-SAS man and Chief Scout who is now a writer and TV presenter.
An evening of celebrations is planned to kick-off at 7.20pm at the Newcastle Quayside.
Enormous Olympic rings have been attached to Tyne Bridge as the region awaits Friday’s celebrations. The aluminum structure measuring over 22 by 10 metres is the largest of its kind in the country.
Lord Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, said,
“The Olympic rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world. To athletes they represent the culmination of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport.
“These rings will excite and inspire residents and visitors to Newcastle and Gateshead.”
Newcastle and Gateshead Initiative chief executive Sarah Stewart said,
“The region is already involved in so many aspects of the London 2012 Olympic Games, inlcuding hosting men’s and women’s football at St James’ Park – so it’s a real coup to have the largest Olympic rings in the country here in Newcastle and Gateshead.”
Thousands of people are expected to watch the torch relay pass through Newcastle on Friday. The large crowds as well as number of road closures are expected to cause a number of delays to those travelling by car.
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