Hartlepool welcomes the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay June 17th 2012

 

Ex Olympian Judith Turland, Emma Cassell (World Biathlon Champion) and London 2012 Hopeful Amanda Couslon with the Mayor Stuart Drummond.

Latest news on the Olympic route

To view a map of the route through our area see the Olympic route website or download the route through Hartlepool

 

Hartlepool will be in the world spotlight when 20 torchbearers carry the Olympic Flame through the town en route to London for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on 27 July.

 

Top tips for Torch Relay

COUNCIL chiefs in Hartlepool have issued their top tips to ensure that local residents enjoy the Olympic Flame when it passes through the town's streets this Sunday (June 17). Hartlepool will be in the world spotlight when around 20 torchbearers carry the Olympic Flame through the town en route to London for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on 27 July.

John Mennear, the Council's Assistant Director (Community Services) is urging residents to follow some simple advice to ensure the day runs smoothly.

"Everyone is excited about welcoming the Olympic Flame to Hartlepool and all people need to do is follow a few simple tips to get the most out of what should be a very memorable day.

"Overall, the crowds have exceeded expectations elsewhere but we are fortunate in Hartlepool to have excellent viewing areas along the route."

The tips are as follows:

• Work out in advance where you would like to stand to see the torch and plan your route. Consider walking, cycling and public transport.
• Arrive at your chosen viewing area around one hour before the torch is due to arrive.
• The left hand side of the street is the best place to stand (as long as there is a footpath).
• The advance vehicle convoy will be about 10-15 minutes in front of the torchbearer so make sure you wait until the torchbearer passes by.
• Please do not park your vehicle on any of the streets which are part of the  Torch Relay route.
• Motorists should avoid the Torch Relay route both before and during the procession as delays are likely.

Remember, you will only be able to see the torch during the times outlined below. Once it gets to the Tesco roundabout on Stockton street it will be inside a vehicle and not visible.

• 11.01am. Start Point North Borough boundary/Hart Station
• 11.11am Saxon public house
• 11.17am Roundabout at Junction of Easington Road/West View Road
• 11.23am Roundabout at Junction with Holdforth Road (nr Hospital)
• 11.32am Raby Road
• 11.41am Middleton Road
• 11.46am Marina Way
• 11.51 am Arrival at Hartlepool 's Maritime Experience
• 12.51pm Depart Hartlepool 's Maritime Experience
• 12.56pm Stockton Street
• 1.00pm Finish Point Tesco Roundabout ( Stockton Street )

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond commented: "There is a real buzz in the town about the London Olympics, particularly as we will have Jemma Lowe and Savannah Marshall flying the flag for Hartlepool .

Hosting the Torch Relay will put Hartlepool in the world spotlight and I am sure it is going to be a great day."

 

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.  

To see a detailed map of the torch route visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk

As an added bonus there will be a lunchtime community celebration when the torch arrives at Hartlepool 's Maritime Experience (HME), Marina Way at 11.51am. As well as street theatre, jugglers and stilt walkers, the following entertainment programme has been confirmed to perform on stage at HME's car park- all for free.

• 10.45 to 11.15am - Singer Elaine Palmer
• 11.15 to 11.45am - Local band Mercedes.
• 11.51am to 12.10am - Display of torch on stage (15 minutes only)
• 12.15 to 12.40pm - 102 Battalion REME Pipe Band.
• 1.00 to 1.30pm - Local band Lost State of Mind.

During the celebrations, athletes from the town's INSPIRE campaign - encompassing past, present and future athletes - will have their photographs taken with the torch. The torch will appear on stage for approximately 15 minutes.

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond said: "There is a real buzz building up in the town about the London Olympics, particularly as we will have two representatives (Jemma Lowe and Savannah Marshall) flying the flag for Hartlepool.

"We are fortunate in that the Torch Relay convoy will be stopping off in Hartlepool for lunch and we are keen to make the most of this opportunity.

"Not only will it create a further chance for people to see the Olympic Torch, but it also gives us the opportunity to celebrate the Games by organising some lunchtime entertainment."

Mayor Drummond went on to say that hosting the Torch Relay will put Hartlepool in the world spotlight and he appealed for people to come out in force and line the streets.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, added: "Now that 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 Hartlepool '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. Details of Hartlepool's torchbearers can be found here

The full London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route can be viewed at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay