Olympic Torch Relay comes to Derby

Mark the date in your diary: on Friday 29th June 2012, the Olympic Torch Relay is coming to Derby!

This once in a lifetime event is not to be missed. Derby will take centre stage, putting us firmly on the world map, with the chance to celebrate in style.

The Torch Relay will travel through the county before arriving in the city in the evening. The Torch will be welcomed with a spectacular event on Darley Park, where the Celebration Cauldron will be lit followed by an exhilarating ceremony and stage show. Celebrations will continue over the weekend, showcasing our diverse communities and rich cultural life, with all events and activities free of charge and open to everyone from the city and beyond.

Derby will be one of only 63 locations outside London to have the honour of hosting an Olympic Torch Relay evening celebration. Planning for this - and a series of cultural celebrations across the city - will now begin, with a focus on involving every part of the community in this global event.

Key dates for your diary

There are two main locations to celebrate the Olympic Torch relay coming to Derby, and two shows, one in the Market Place and one in Darley Park. The Torch arrives at the Market Place first and then moves on in a procession to Darley Park. 

View the route the torch will take through Derby.

At 9.00pm there is a huge Party in the City planned in the Market Place so make sure you stick around to enjoy all the fun!

Friday 29th June

• 4.00pm to 6.30pm - Be in the Market Place as the excitement grows and the Olympic Torch relay approaches and enjoy our Show as we wait for the Torch to arrive. Celebrations will also be taking place along the route - don't forget your flags, torches and blue, red and white clothing!
• 6.30pm - The Olympic torch arrives in the Market Place welcomed by the crowds.
• 5.30pm to 8.00pm - Main show at Darley Park with growing excitement as crowds wait for the Torch to make its way from the Market Place to the Park. Entertainment will include the lighting of the Olympic cauldron and music by popular singer Loike Essien.
• 7.20pm - The Torch Procession arrives at Darley Park.
• 8.00pm to 9.00pm - A carnival procession from Darley Park will lead the torch back to the city centre to a Brazilian themed party in the Market Place!
• 9.00pm to 12.00am - Join in our Party in the City and dance the night away at the Market Place.

Saturday 30th June

• 6.00am to 6.30am - Derby bids farewell to the Olympic Torch as it leaves the Market Place; bring your gym kit as we're treated to an entertaining ‘Shakespearian Workout’ by the 1623 Theatre Company.
• 6.00pm - A grand finale celebration back at Darley Park with an open air Concert and fireworks

Other key dates in June

• 3rd to 5th June - Queens' Diamond Jubilee celebrations
• 7th June - 50 days to go to the London 2012 Olympic Games
• 8th June - UEFA Euro 2012 football championship begins
• 10th June - Big 1 Carnival in Chaddesden Park
• 11th June - School Community Torch Relay begins
• 22nd June - Cultural Olympiad Festival 2012 begins
• 24th June - Derby City Triathlon, Moorways Sports Complex, Allenton
• 25th June to 1st July - Inspiring Derby week
• 30th June - Darley Park concert

For more information on events and how you can get involved please visit www.derbyshire.uk.com.

Downloads

• Torch Relay information leaflet (pdf, 310kb)

Useful links

• Derbyshire torch relay
• London 2012 torch relay