Let the Games begin (From This Is Lancashire)

Let the Games begin

8:42am Monday 28th May 2012 in News

A HUGE party to celebrate the Olympic torch coming to Bolton will take place in the town centre — and everyone is invited.

The Victoria Square celebrations will run from noon to 7.30pm, on Thursday, as the torch arrives in the town.

Spectators will be able to watch its progress on a big screen.

There will be a carnival atmosphere in the square during the day, schools have been invited to take part in sporting activities and there will be entertain- ment including singers, dancers, choirs, bands, balloon modellers In the evening, the stage will become the focal point as the torch arrives in the square for the official handover.

Keith Davies, director of development and regenera- tion at Bolton Council, said: “This is such an important event for Bolton people and communities are really doing their best to showcase the town and all that it has to offer.”

Bolton and District Pipe Band, the Shree Swami- narayan Pipe Band and Corus Brass, chosen to represent Bolton’s diversity, will line up and play on the square for the big moment when the torch arrives, before it heads to Queens Park for the concert.

An alternative programme of events to mirror those at the ticketed concert will then take place, including a per- formance from Britain’s Got Talent stars Father and Son, and Bolton’s version of The Choir That Rocks.

Organisers are expecting thousands of people to attend the free Victoria Square vent, which unlike the Queens Park concert, is not ticketed.

There will be an MC throughout the day and night giving commentary as the torch travels across finish at 7.30pm and residents, business owners, and workers are being warned there will be road closures in place during the day and to plan their route carefully.

the town to Queens Park, and spectators can watch as a surprise celebrity torchbearer lights the cauldron on the stage.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “We have got fantastic local talent performing in Victoria Square.

Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “The celebrations give the whole family a chance to share the excitement of the Olympic Games as we count down to the open- “I am sure they will receive a very warm welcome from the crowd and will do Bolton proud on this very special day for the town.”

Both events are scheduled to ing ceremony.

“The event in Victoria Square is set for an exciting line-up, including perform- ances from talented local peo- ple who will give the celebration a distinct feel.”