The 2012 Olympic torch will stop off in Dover and Maidstone

18 May 2011

Dover and Maidstone are two of 66 evening celebration locations across the UK confirmed by the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

The evening events will offer thousands of local people the opportunity to come together and get involved in celebrations and share in the Olympic spirit. They will be held on 18 July in Maidstone and 19 July in Dover.

As part of the events LOCOG and the partners, Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, will stage exciting entertainment shows where a cauldron will be lit from the Olympic Flame, marking the end of the day's proceedings.

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday 18 May 2012 and the 70 day Torch Relay will start at Land's End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012.  On leaving Land's End, the Olympic Flame is expected to travel an estimated 8,000 miles across the UK, giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to their doorstep. The Olympic Flame will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

KCC Cabinet member for Customer and Communities Mike Hill said:

"We are delighted that Maidstone and Dover have been chosen to host an evening celebration as part of the Olympic Torch Relay. After many years working with partners through a range of community projects and events, through the Kent 2012 campaign, it is great to see these towns recognised. The torch will be in Kent in the later stages of the Relay just before it enters London so the world's media will be firmly on the county as residents have a real chance to be part of this exciting occasion."

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said:

"We are thrilled that Maidstone Borough and Dover District Councils have agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK.  The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across the towns celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of the county.  We have no doubt that the welcome the local authorities will provide will demonstrate how the spirit of the Olympic Games is reaching out across the UK and excitement builds as the start of the 2012 Games draws closer.”

The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 torchbearers and once the detailed daily route is confirmed later this year. The aim is that 95% population will be within a one hour journey time, of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

The London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer nomination programme has also been launched. Together with the three presenting partners - Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, LOCOG is seeking 8,000 of the most inspirational people to have their moment to shine next summer by carrying the Olympic Flame.