Olympic Torch Relay
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Olympic Torch Relay
Tens of thousands of people lined the streets to cheer on the Olympic Flame as the Torch Relay reached Plymouth this weekend.
View images on Plymouth City Council's Facebook gallery page
An estimated 40,000 people packed out the Hoe for the live, free entertainment and shared in the once in a lifetime experience. 12 year old Madeline Wood had the honour carrying the Olympic Torch onto the stage and lighting the huge cauldron. Earlier, chart topper Labrinth, Britain’s Got Talent finalists Twist & Pulse and local dancers from Plymouth Dance entertained the huge crowds.
Lord Mayor Councillor Michael Wright took part in the Evening Celebration and welcomed the gathered crowds on the Hoe. He said:"This has been such a wonderful experience for people in Plymouth. Seeing the Olympic Torch carried by our inspirational Torchbearers through the city was fantastic and I'm proud so many people turned out to cheer them on.
"The Evening Celebration on the Hoe was a once in a lifetime spectacle, there was a fantastic atmosphere and what an amazing way to show off our spectacular waterfront to the world."
Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council added:"Everyone has worked so hard to stage this event and I'm delighted it has been such a huge success. The Hoe is a wonderful venue and by hosting these international events we are showing the world just what Plymouth has to offer and helping to establish the city as a major European waterfront destination."
An estimated 10,000 people lined the streets through the city centre on the Saturday evening. Plymouth's inspirational Torchbearers carried the Torch through dozens of communities in the city, giving residents and visitors the chance to see the Olympic Flame on both Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May.
On Sunday the Plymouth Life Centre hosted the launch of day 2 of the Olympic Torch Relay with a diving and swimming show. The Olympic Flame was brought to the Life Centre where 18 year old Jordan Anderton lit his Torch and set off in the convoy to cheers from hundreds of people gathered outside. The Torch was then carried through the city centre and out into Plymstock.
An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK which will take it to within ten miles of over 95 per cent of the population.
On 27 July 2012 it will arrive at the Olympic Stadium for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.