Newbury Town Council is pleased to provide final details of the various activities that are arranged for all the family, as part of the Olympic Torch visit to Newbury on Wednesday 11 July 2012.
Councillor Arthur Johnson, Mayor of Newbury said, “The Olympic Torch Relay comes to Newbury on Wednesday 11th July 2012 and the Town is putting on a wide range of activities for you to enjoy and get involved in on the day. The Olympic Torch Relay Community Task Force has worked really hard, with community, schools, leisure and business input. Newbury really is the place to see the Olympic Torch. There will be loads to see and do, to make a real day of it”.
The torch and supporting cavalcade will be passing through the town from around 11am to 11:30am.
There will be outdoor street performers to keep the crowds enthralled and entertained both before and after the torch has passed provided by The Corn Exchange with the support of Greenham Common Trust.
A BMX bike display of what is now an Olympic Sport, guaranteed to amaze! Riders launch into the air on an 11ft tall, vertical halfpipe and perform some of the hardest tricks in the business within a spectacular show. One-two performances per hour in the Market Place from 11:30am also sponsored by Greenham Common Trust.
Olympic Art Trail and Competition: Follow the trail to 20 different locations around the Town featuring stunning artwork of famous Olympians/Paralympians painted in the styles of different artists by Park House School pupils. Trail and competition entry forms are available from participating businesses and Newbury Town Council, Town Hall, The Market Place, from Friday 6 July 2012. This has been made possible through the significant support of the Newbury Weekly News, the Newbury BID team and Parkway Shopping.
Parkway will be hosting a Street Party from 11am to 6pm with music, entertainment and exclusive one day only offers for Party Pass holders (available from Corn Exchange and Barclays Bank Parkway). (Further details from www.shopatparkway.com)
Olympic themed Art Exhibition of inspirational works by Park House School pupils: these original paintings of famous Olympians/Paralympians and sports personalities in the style of various artists can be seen in the Town Hall in the Market Place on Saturday mornings between 30th June and 11th August as well as on Torch Day on Wednesday 11th July. Twenty of these paintings form part of the Art Trail and Competition. (For viewing at other times call Newbury Town Council on 01635 35486 and we will do our best to accommodate). The Saturday Gallery in the Town Hall will also have an extended Olympic exhibition on 28th / 29th July.
Olympic inspired activities in the ‘Cultural Village’ in Victoria Park: come along and experience a variety of different Olympic inspired activities, from childrens’ art, to facepainting and ‘have a go’ sessions, all co-ordinated by Park House School.
Torch Day Picnic Lunch: there will be picnic space available in Victoria Park so bring your own blanket, food and drink as well as take the opportunity participate in some Olympic inspired activities in the ‘Cultural Village’.
Now that the Berkshire Giant has gone back to sleep, the bunting that was used for the Jubilee Event in Victoria Park is being transferred to Northbrook Street – not too late for the Jubilee, but rather as a celebration of the Olympic Torch. We couldn’t risk strangling the Giant.
We are expecting large crowds on the day, but the town has plenty of parking and plenty of options for public transport. Please get there early to make the most of it, but please note that for safety reasons, Bartholomew Street North, the Market Place, Northbrook Street and The Broadway will be closed to all traffic from 7am (not 9am as previously published) so plan your travel arrangements accordingly.
Weather as ever is unpredictable, so make sure you have sun cream, hats and a bottle of water, or waterproofs as appropriate.
Come along, have fun and make Newbury Olympic Torch Day a day to remember!
