In the build-up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, a Paralympic Flame Festival will be held in Edinburgh on 26 August 2012, it was announced today.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announced plans for the Paralympic Torch Relay to lead the UK into the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games on the evening of Wednesday 29 August 2012.
Building on the traditional Torch Relay format, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay programme will begin on Friday 24 August 2012 with the first flame lighting event to be held in London. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Greater Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff will each host a flame lighting moment and an evening Paralympic Flame Festival.
Edinburgh’s Festivals and Events Champion, Councillor Steve Cardownie, today welcomed the news that the city will play host to the Scottish leg of the relay. Plans are already under way to ensure the city enjoys a spectacular and memorable celebration.
Cllr Cardownie said: “It’s a great honour for Edinburgh to be chosen to host Scotland’s Paralympic Flame Festival next summer. The event will take place at the very height of Festival season when the city will be positively buzzing with life and excitement – it really couldn’t be a better time to showcase Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole to a vast international audience as the world looks forward to the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
“The Council is already working with its partners to ensure Edinburgh harnesses all the energy and excitement that London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 will generate in order to help inspire residents to participate in sport and enjoy keeping active.”
