We are delighted to announce that the London 2012 Olympic Torch is coming to Cirencester!

On 27 July 2012, the eyes of the world will be on London for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games as the Olympic Flame arrives to light the cauldron in the new stadium.

In the build up to the start of what will be the 30th modern Olympiad, the Flame will be transported from its traditional home in Greece and is due to arrive in the UK on 18th May 2012. Representing peace, unity and friendship, the Flame will then start a 70-day journey around the UK, carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers, before it finally reaches the stadium.

Cotswold District Council will be coordinating arrangements for the passage of the Olympic Torch through the district. The Olympic Torch Relay will reach the Cotswolds on Wednesday 23rd May when torchbearers will carry the flame through Cirencester.

Cirencester Town Council will be hosting a welcome on behalf of the surrounding communities and reacting to this announcement, Mayor of Cirencester, Councillor Andrew Lichnowski, said:

“This is a great honour for the town and I am sure there will be a very good turn-out for this fabulous opportunity to see the torch close up and share in the Olympic spirit.”

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) said:

“We are thrilled to confirm that Cirencester and Chipping Campden will act as host locations for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people in the Cotswolds to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK.  This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across the Cotswolds to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”

Full details of the Torch Relay will be announced closer to the time, inviting people from across the area to welcome the Olympic Flame.

Find out all you need to know about the Games at www.london2012.com