Olympic torch to tour Telford and Wrekin

(information courtesy of Telford and Wrekin Council)

Residents across Telford and Wrekin will be able to catch a glimpse of the Olympic flame at several locations across the borough on Wednesday 30 May.

Starting with its appearance on the iconic Ironbridge at 3.15pm, the torch will also pass through Telford Town Centre before finishing its tour of Telford in Newport.

Telford & Wrekin Council is working with different local clubs and groups to make this once in a life time event memorable for the whole community.

To add to the excitement in Ironbridge, entertainment will be provided by a number of river activities such as Ironbridge Rowing Club and The Greenwood Centre coracles paddling up and down the River and Ironbridge Scenic River Cruises providing groups of guests pleasure boat trips.

The international Abraham Darby Academy Band will be livening up the streets of Ironbridge by playing on the town side of the Iron Bridge by the War Memorial and the Bicycle Hub will be giving tandem demonstrations along the Wharfage.

Events will start with a short photo opportunity near to the Ironbridge with it then proceeding along the decorated Wharfage, turning right at the Merrythought roundabout and then proceed up the hill past Coalbrookdale Primary School. The torch will then pass AGA and the Museum of Iron before being whisked away to the Town Centre.

The torch will be greeted by 2012 relay flags which will decorate around the box road as well as community decorations, flags and banners features around the ring road where near by crowds and school children will be ready to greet the relay runners.

Performances and music, street theatre and bands on external public spaces around the shopping centre will help to create a buzz and there will be an opportunity for visitors to make flags or a pop-pom to take on the route.

There is just as much excitement in store for those who attend the Newport event with a Civic welcoming party planned at and around the Guildhall. The Mayor, town crier and loyal volunteers from Newport's Army will be greeting the torch and relay runner. There will be a range of activities that have been organised with Newport and District Running Club and Newport Cycling Club which will involve children from local primary schools.

Councillor Arnold England, cabinet member for Leisure and Wellbeing, said: "With any large scale event such as the torch coming to Telford and Wrekin, the council needs to make plans to manage traffic on the day. Therefore it is planning on closing the Wharfage from the Roundabout at the bottom of Madeley Bank to the Museum of the Gorge. This will be from approximately 1pm-4pm on Wednesday 30 May.

"As with all events in Ironbridge, parking will be at a premium and so we are asking all visitors to use the new park and ride from the top of Jiggers Bank. It will be working free of charge on the day.

There will be many events happening across Telford and Wrekin for everyone to take part in the torch relay, we kindly ask residents to help us to celebrate this once in a life time opportunity safely by following the set parking arrangements."