Lincoln Olympic torch relay route and party confirmed

The Olympic torch relay route through Lincoln on June 27 and June 28 has been announced, along with the date on which people can get free tickets for the overnight celebrations planned at Yarborough Sports Ground.

The Lincoln olympic torch Relay will begin on South Park Road at 5pm, weave its way across the city, past the Brayford Pool, up the High Street and past the cathedral’s east side, before heading to the relay party.

Tickets for the celebrations at Yarborough Sports Ground on June 27, featuring local dance and music, will be available for free from the Lincoln Drill Hall box office from Thursday, May 10.

Food will be available to buy on site at the evening celebration, as well as merchandise for the event. Full price lists for food and merchandise will be provided closer to the time.

Gates will open for the evening celebration at 4pm with live entertainment from 5pm. The celebrations will come to a close at 7.30pm.

The Torch will leave Lincoln Cathedral on June 28, heading through Lincoln Castle, where a special picnic and activity morning will be held for selected school children, before leaving the city past the Grandstand on its way to Nottingham.

Nick Hope (33) and Dot Fraser (75) have been chosen to carry the torch through Lincoln by the City Council, as host authority organising the Lincoln leg of the relay.

Interactive map: Lincoln Olympic torch relay route

Due to traffic restrictions and expected crowds, it is recommended to arrive at your chosen spot at around 4pm, approximately one hour before the torch relay begins, regardless of your location on the route.

The streets along the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay can also be viewed in full online, with street-by-street details and proposed start times for when the Olympic torch will travel through Lincoln.

Those living in and around Lincoln can find out when it will be travelling along their nearest high street, near their home or past their local shop and recommended viewing places on the City Council’s website.

Proud to host torch relay party

The City of Lincoln Council is working with LOCOG and the three presenting partners of the relay, Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, to host the June 27 free, family-friendly evening event to celebrate the Olympic flame.

City Councillor Donald Nannestad said: “We’re incredibly proud to host a part of the Olympic torch relay and think that Lincoln is a fantastic setting to get involved with the celebrations.

“I hope that people who live and work in and around the city will get the chance to see the Olympic flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic torch relay.

“The confirmation of the route really brings the celebration to life and will allow people to plan how they can get involved, by picking their spot on the street to cheer the relay on or by deciding to attend the evening celebration,” he added.

Janet Inman, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, said: “The announcement today is fantastic for people in Lincoln, and throughout Lincolnshire.

“We are incredibly proud that Lincolnshire can play its part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and look forward to seeing the Olympic torch on its journey around our county.”

Will Mason from Lincoln Castle said: “We’re really excited about the Olympic torch coming to Lincoln. And where better to celebrate than in the historic heart of the city?

“At Lincoln Castle, we’re putting on a special breakfast and activities for pupils from selected local schools. They’ll be waving off the torch as it makes its way through the grounds before heading out of the city. We can’t wait.”