Olympic Torch arrives in the UK on 18th May

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on Friday 18 May and will travel around the country for 70 days, arriving in London the weekend before the 2012 Games begin.

In line with the bid promise to inspire and connect a new generation to the Olympic Movement, 8,000 torch bearers were selected with over half of the places going to young people. As the Torch Relay travels around the UK visiting different communities and cultures, it will connect people to the Olympic Games, its heroes and its spirit. With 95% of the British population to be within a one hour journey time of the route, the Olympic Torch Relay will bring the 2012 Games to people’s doorsteps and showcase the best of the UK from dynamic urban areas to places of outstanding natural beauty and sporting and cultural landmarks.