The Olympic Torch is coming to St Albans

Press release from St Albans City & District Council on 2/7/12

The Olympic Flame will arrive in St Albans at 4.06pm on Sunday 8th July.

Our Torchbearers will carry the flame along the length of Hatfield Road from its junction with Charlotte Close (near Oaklands College, Smallford Campus). They will then take it across St Peter’s Street into Catherine Street, along Folly Lane joining Verulam Road before finishing near the Batchwood roundabout.

Large crowds are expected, so the advice is to get there early for a good view. There are lots of events and celebrations going on in the city on the day. Many local people, community groups and clubs are having parties and celebrations and many are open to the public.

Along the torch route, you can enjoy music, face painting and ‘Play in the Parks’ at Fleetville and Oysterfields recreation grounds. Clarence Park has fun and games with St Albans City Youth Football Club. The fun continues at Victoria Playing Fields with the Friends of Victoria Playing Fields organising lots of activities and a community Cricket Match. There is judo, zumba, street entertainment, music and lots more in the city centre. Many of the pubs and eateries have their own entertainment planned.

The churches along the route are laying on celebratory events. Hatfield Road Methodist Church, St Paul’s Church and St Peter’s Church all have activities galore. St Peter’s Church is offering tours of the tower.

Cllr Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sports, Leisure and Heritage at St Albans City and District Council, said: “This is one of those historic moments for St Albans and we are expecting lots of people to line the streets. We have gone to town on the bunting and there are flags designed by local children to wave as we cheer the runners on. The Olympic Torch is due in the District from Hatfield at 4.06pm, but there is plenty of fun and things to see all day, so people can make a real day of it. In the morning, the Freedom Parade* is taking place in the city, and with the Farmers Market, the Wheathampstead Village Day, and all the community events all over town, there’s going to be a real buzz. Make sure you get your spot early, crowds are expected.”

For more information about the Olympic Torch relay in St Albans, visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/olympic-torch-relay