On Sunday 1st July 2012 the Olympic flame will pass through Stratford-on-Avon District as part of the Olympic Torch Relay on its way to the Olympic Stadium in London.
The torch will pass through the local communities of Earlswood, Alcester, Newbold-on-Stour, Alderminster and Stratford-upon-Avon before heading to Warwick to continue its journey.
Prior to the torch arriving, the Olympic Torch Presenting Partners Coca-Cola, Samsung and Lloyds TSB will be activating the route approximately 20 minutes before with music, dancing and free gifts for spectators lining the route.
Here's what's happen in your local area:
- Earlswood
The Olympic Torch bearer convoy will be passing through Earlswood between 8.45am and 9.30am and an Alpine Horn will herald the arrival of the Torch Relay to Earlswood travelling along Shutt Lane and The Common.
A fete with stalls, face painting and sports games is being organised at the Reservoir Public House along with a Brass Band and School Choir lining the route to cheer the Torch Bearers along.
There will be Police no-waiting cones placed along the route of the torch on the B4102 Shutt Lane from Salter Street to Springbrook Lane from late on the Saturday evening until approximately 11am on the Sunday morning. Any cars parking during this time may be removed and impounded.
- Alcester
The Olympic Torch convoy will be passing through Alcester between 10.30am and 11.15am.
Street party events will be taking place to mark the torch visit to the Town. Arrive early and stay all day! The Alcester Victoria Silver Band and the White Hart Morris Men will both be performing during the morning.
There will be full road closures to all traffic from 9am to approximately 1pm on Sunday 1st July on Henley Street, Church Street and High Street.
There will be Police no-waiting cones placed on all other roads along the route of the torch including the Birmingham Road from Eclipse Road to School Road, School Road to Henley Street and Swan Street onto Evesham Street to Newport Drive. These restrictions will be in place from 9am until approximately 1pm on Sunday. Any cars parking along these routes may be removed and impounded.
Visitor parking has been arranged on Stratford Road – follow the signs.
For more details and timings of the Alcester events please visit www.alcester-olympics.org
- Newbold-on-Stour
The Torch convoy will be passing through Newbold-on-Stour between 1.45pm and 2.30pm. The Church bells will be rung to announce the arrival of the Torch in the village.
Olympic Breakfast in the Village Hall from 9am. Community Fete on the Village Green from 10.30am including traditional stalls, Olympic sport challenges, World Record Breaking attempts, Calieh and Morris dancing and traditional Sports Day games for all the family.
There will be Police no-waiting cones placed along the A3400 though the village. The restrictions will be in place from early on the Sunday morning through to approximately 4pm on the 1st. Please be aware that any cars parked in the restricted areas may be removed and impounded.
Visitors are encouraged to park in the dedicated area on Armscote Road.
- Alderminster
The torch convoy will pass through Alderminster between 2pm and 2.45pm. The time of the actual Flame is from 2.29pm but the activation convoy with music and dancing will be travelling through any time from 2pm so arrive early to avoid disappointment!
The Village Hall Committee will be providing 'Torch Teas' in the Village Hall.
Ilimngton Primary School will be performing their unique Olympic Song to encourage the Olympic Torch bearer as they pass through the village.
Ettington Primary will be performing an Olympic themed dance to welcome the torch convoy as it enter Alderminster.
There will be Police no-waiting cones placed along the A3400 through Alderminster from early morning on Sunday 1st through to approximately 4pm. During this time, any vehicles parked on the road side may be removed and impounded.
Visitors are encouraged to park in the dedicated area on New Road.
- Stratford-upon-Avon
The Olympic Torch convoy will be passing through Stratford-upon-Avon between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
The Birthplace Trust in partnership with the RSC will be presenting an Olympic Torch with a difference, Shakepeare style.
There will be full road closures to all traffic on Bridge Street and Henley Street from early morning until approximately 4pm on the Sunday. There will be a temporary road closure on the Shipston Road from the Seven Meadows roundabout to the Clopton bridge for approximately 1 hour prior to during the torch relay.
There will be Police no-waiting cones along any part of the route not closed to traffic. This includes Shipston Road (when not fully closed) and Birmingham Road from Windsor Street to Worths Way. Any cars parking along this route may be removed and impounded.
Parking in all Stratford District Council owned car parks (Arden Street, Bridgefoot, Church Street, Recreation Ground, Riverside, Swans Nest Lane, Unicorn Meadow and Windsor Street) and Warwickshire County Council's Park & Ride service will all be free on this day.
Please note there are a number of privately operated car parks in the town, please check the relevant signage.
Also the free parking does not apply to on-street car parking.
As the torch passes through we are hoping to see a great celebration of this historic event. Residents have been encouraged to line the left hand side of the streets and community each local community has been encouraged to come up with ideas of how they would like to do something to join in the celebration.
Everyone is encouraged to line the streets for this wonderful historic event. Below is a list of safety guidelines to keep yourselves and your families safe:
- There will be no parking on the torch relay route, so if you decide to drive to watch it please ensure you park in a place that won't get in the way of the relay.
- Don't run out in front of or alongside the torch as there will be moving vehicles. Stand some where safe along the route to watch it.
- View from the pavement of the passenger side door of the convoy for the best view and to have a better chance of getting freebies being given out from sponsor vehicles.
- If you're not planning to visit any of the communities on route, watch the relay from as close to work or home as possible as there will be traffic delays.
- Local radio will be broadcasting information or follow the progress on twitter @StratfordDC
- Safety for you and your family remains your responsibility. So make sure someone is watching children at all times.
For full details and the Torch Relay map to show every street that the torchbearers will travel along, including when it is in torchbearer or convoy mode please visit: www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap
Get in place early! The official sponsors - Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung - will be carrying out advance 'activation' activities along the torch route which will feature some eye-catching modes of transport and include distribution of mementoes to onlookers. These activities will start at about 45 minutes before the torch passes through each location and will last for about 15 to 20 minutes.
