From Bristol 24-7 www.bristol247.com
The official route of the Olympic torch through Bristol is revealed today by London 2012 organisers, with paralympian sailor and Team GB member Blaire Hannan leading the procession.
Among the Bristol roads on the route are Nags Head Hill, Old Market Street, Baldwin Street, Hotwell Road, Clifton Down and Southmead Road.
Thousands of people are expected to line the route on May 22 and May 23 to cheer the torchbearers as they carry the Olympic flame through the city.
Full details of the route have today been posted at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay
The site gives street-by-street details and proposed start times for the flame’s progress through the city.
Bristol City Council deputy leader Cllr Simon Cook said: “Today’s announcement about the route and the names of some of the inspirational torchbearers who will carry the flame in Bristol brings the excitement of the Olympics right to our door step.
“For many people the sight of the Olympic flame passing through their neighbourhoods will be something to celebrate. I know thousands of local people will want to line the route and cheer the torchbearers on.”
London 2012 chief Sebastian Coe added: “Today we bring the Olympic torch relay to life. The flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets.
“Now the people know the route the Olympic flame will be carried along and the torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it Bristol’s moment to shine.”
The torch arrives in Bristol on the evening of Tuesday, May 22, having left Taunton and toured towns and villages in Somerset. City council chiefs are planning a party at the Amphitheatre on harbourside to mark the occasion.
Blaire Hannan, the 21-year-old paralympian from Stoke Bishop, will join Andrew Townsend who competed in Barcelona in 1992 as a member of the Great Britain volleyball squad.
Ms Hannan suffers from the very rare condition dystonia, which has left her wheelchair-bound. But this hasn’t stopped her from studying at Manchester University and training with some of the world’s greatest sailors.
An average of 115 torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic flame during its 8,000-mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on July 27 for the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
