The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has revealed plans for a full dress rehearsal to test the operations around the Olympic Torch Relay on 20 April.
The Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK this summer, giving 8,000 Torchbearers their moment to shine.
The rehearsal will take place on the Leicester to Peterborough stretch of the route, an 80-mile journey which represents a typical day of the Olympic Torch Relay.
The primary objective is to test the convoy, crew and communications procedures in advance of the 70-day Relay. The convoy will start in Leicester and travel through Quorn, Loughborough, Hoton, Wymeswold, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray, Langham, Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford, before reaching Peterborough.
Moment to shine
LOCOG Chair Seb Coe said: ‘The dress rehearsal will give us the chance to test many of our operations around the Olympic Torch Relay. We are also looking forward to working with the 100 inspirational people who will play an essential role in helping us to test how we will operate during the Relay.
‘The Olympic Torch Relay will be the UK’s moment to shine. We are looking forward to showcasing the historical and social diversity of the UK and celebrating the achievements of the Torchbearers when the Relay starts its journey in May.’
Procedures to be tested on the day will include timings, the collection and drop off of Torchbearers, route markings, traffic management and security operations.
Inspirational students
The dress rehearsal will involve participants from the Royal College of the Blind; Loughborough College; and Leicester, De Montfort, Loughborough and Northampton universities who will carry unlit Torches. As with the Relay itself, each participant will have an inspirational story and will have their nomination supported by their place of study.
The torch will come to Dublin on June 6th 2012.
