Friday 11th November 2011

Madejski will host Olympic Torch in 2012

Reading Football Club are delighted to confirm that Madejski Stadium will play host to a free Olympic Torch Celebration event for up to 20,000 local people on 10th July 2012.

The event will mark the arrival of the Olympic Flame in the town, and will ensure that local people get the opportunity to mark this historic occasion.

The Olympic Torch will be carried out of the players' tunnel, along a red carpet and onto the stage, which will be located in front of the East Stand. Further details will be revealed nearer the time, with local and visiting acts being lined up by the organising committee.

Reading Borough Council will be distributing the tickets and details will also follow in due course.

Speaking to our online TV station Reading FC Player at a launch event this week, Chairman Sir John Madejski said, "This is such a great event and I'm absolutely delighted Madejski Stadium is part of it. It's great for everyone in Reading, it brings a feel-good factor, also in terms of tourism for the town, it ticks every single box, it's a real win-win situation.

"It's something we can really look forward to and build upon. The Olympic Torch is very special, the last time it was in England I was lucky enough to see it, it was housed in a house just opposite my aunt's, the switchover was at the Wee Waif on the Bath Road and I will never forget, it's what the Olympic Torch means to everyone."

Details about the timing of the event, how many people will be able to attend, who will be performing and how people can attend are currently being finalised. More information will be available through london2012.com/olympictorchrelay and in local press nearer to the start of the Olympic Torch Relay next year.

Local Authorities such as Reading Borough Council are playing a key role in providing entertainment as part of the show. The Celebration will be free of charge, and the event will have locally-programmed content on the stage which will add to the celebratory atmosphere. Many thousands more people are expected to celebrate along the route each day.

As part of the events LOCOG and the Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners, Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB/Bank of Scotland and Samsung, will stage exciting entertainment shows where a cauldron will be lit from the Olympic Flame, marking the end of the day's proceedings.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games [LOCOG], said, "We have no doubt that Reading Borough Council will help to stage an Evening Celebration event that captures the excitement, passion and spirit of the Olympic Torch Relay as it comes to rest at Madejski Stadium. The event will provide the perfect opportunity to invite the local community to welcome the Olympic Flame and shine a light on the culture and heritage of the area."

Leader of Reading Borough Council, Councillor Jo Lovelock, welcomed the announcement of the evening celebration. She said, "Being on the route of the Olympic Flame as it travels around the country is a fantastic vote of confidence in Reading by the Games organisers. It will be a great occasion for the whole town, giving everyone an opportunity to join in the spirit of the Olympic Games and be part of an historic event.

"I am delighted that we are going to be able to mark the arrival of the Flame with a community celebration at the Madejski Stadium. I know this will be a fantastic occasion and a very enjoyable way of getting into the Olympic Spirit."

Chairman of the Reading 2012 Partnership Board, Andy Murrill said, "It's a great honour for Reading to host the Olympic Torch Relay and a fantastic opportunity for the people of the town to play their part in the London 2012 Games. I hope everyone gives the torchbearers a warm Reading welcome and enjoys the once in a lifetime experience.

"With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics and Paralympics taking place on our doorstep, 2012 really will be a year to celebrate in Reading. For details of all the celebration events in Reading during 2012 go to our website readingy2c.org. You can also tell us about community events you are organising in 2012 and we will promote them for free."

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday 18th May 2012 and the 70 day Torch Relay will start at Land's End, Cornwall on the morning of the 19th May 2012. On leaving Land's End, the Olympic Flame is expected to travel an estimated 8,000 miles across the UK, giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to their doorstep. The Olympic Flame will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on 27th July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.