Times & Star

Olympic Torch Relay in Cumbria: Community events along the route

Last updated at 16:11, Monday, 18 June 2012

As part of the torch's journey through the city, residents, schools, businesses and community groups are being invited to share in the Olympic spirit.

More than 70 groups have already pledged their support and will be helping to 'animate' the route through Carlisle.

This will include creative displays, performing arts and street decoration.

A series of activities will be held in the city centre (outside the Old Town Hall) from around 4pm onwards. These will complement the activity programme planned for Bitts Park.

The main entertainment programme will be held in Bitts Park from 3pm to 7.30pm.

It is a free event - tickets are not required.

This includes:

From 12 noon: food available from various caterers
3pm-7.30pm: sports tasters sessions in the park. These will include, tennis; hockey; netball; squash; athletics; golf; cycling; basketball; badminton; canoeing (a simulator) and information on how to take part in rowing
5pm-7.30pm: a stage with an entertainment programme that will include headline acts including singer-songwriter Katy B, Twist & Pulse, 2011 Britain‟s Got Talent finalists, the Flame Followers and the city's StagedRight theatre group and Heroes Cheerleaders.

The event will also include promotional activities from Coca-Cola, Lloyds and Samsung.

There will be a raised viewing platform for the disabled. Priority will be given to wheelchair users but other disabled users may be given access at the discretion of security staff, if space exists.

Disabled parking is available for those with a Blue Badge on a first come, first served basis at Bitts Park car park. There will be accessible toilet facilities. An induction loop will also be in operation.

Food and drink (but not alcohol) will be allowed on the site.

Pedestrian access to Bitts Park, Mayor's Drive, Dacre Road and Devonshire Walk will be maintained throughout.

There will be no vehicle access to the park and the Sheepmount (Dacre Road and Devonshire Walk) between 8am and 12midnight on Wednesday.

Bitts Park and Devonshire Walk car parks will both be closed on Wednesday.

Events are also taking place elsewhere along the torch's route in north and west Cumbria.

There will be pre-torch activities from 1pm, including a Schools Sports Competition from 1pm-3pm at Brough School playing fields.
There will be a tea party at Brough Memorial Hall following the torch's departure.
In Appleby, there will be various pre-torch relay activities at The Sands from 3.30pm. These include samba drums, stilt walkers and live music.
Post relay, there will be a Community Tea Party at Appleby Bowls Club.
There are numerous community pre-Torch Relay activities from 4pm across Penrith. These include cycling, rowing and archery demonstrations, dance troupe and BMX display.
Following the relay, there will be a community procession and other activities, primarily centred on Middlegate.
Ahead of the convoy’s arrival in Whitehaven, there will be children’s sports and demonstrations at Castle Park and the Sports Centre.
A charity family fun day is being held at Whitehaven’s Bransty Arch pub to coincide with the relay. From 11am to 5pm there will be a baking sale, face-painting and traditional games. In aid of CLIC Sargent, which helps children living with cancer and leukaemia.
In Cockermouth, a huge street party is planned on Main Street from 2pm.
The relay will be followed by a Solstice picnic in the town's Memorial Gardens.