One Week Before Olympic Torch reachesTaunton

Taunton Deane is on a countdown to its major once in a lifetime event on Monday May 21st when the London 2012 Olympic Flame comes to the town during a special day of celebration.

Somerset's cricketers will be making way for the London 2012 Olympic Torch on the hallowed turf of the County Ground in exactly one week's time when the iconic Olympic Flame will be carried into the Taunton ground  at 6.50pm, marking one of the proudest moment's in Taunton's history.

Cllr Mark Edwards, who leads the group organising Somerset's biggest Olympic celebrationsaid:"It's been a long time in the planning and it's really exciting to think that in a week's time we will be seeing the Olympic Torch here on our home turf.

"So much preparation has gone into what promises to be an amazing day – a day that I hope will be enjoyed by thousands. All we need now is a spell of fine weather!"

Taunton Deane Borough Council is hosting the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on May 21, Day Three of the nationwide tour. It will remain in Taunton overnight before leaving early on May 22 on the next stage of the Relay.

A full programme of events is being laid on in Taunton town centre on May 21 including a parade celebrating Somerset, primary and secondary school games, inter-business sports, dragon boat racing, live music and street performances.

The highlight is the Evening Celebration at the County Ground when rapper Labrinth will headline two hours of non-stop entertainment courtesy of presenting partners Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. There will also be performances by talented young people from Somerset.

The Torch will be carried into the ground, via the Joel Garner Gates, at 6.50pm and the symbolic cauldron will be lit before the evening's entertainment comes to its finale. All the free tickets for the event have been allocated.

The following day – May 22nd – the Torch is due to leave Taunton at around 6am and head towards its next overnight stop in Bristol.

"This is Taunton's moment to shine so I hope that as many people as possible will enjoy the day's entertainment, cheer the Torchbearers as they run through Taunton and show the rest of the world that we know how to celebrate," said Cllr Edwards.

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