Thousands of people are expected to descend on Caerphilly town this Saturday (May 26) to catch a glimpse of the London 2012 Olympic Torch relay.
Anthony O’Sullivan, chief executive of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “Caerphilly is definitely the place to be this weekend.
“We’ve got the Olympic Torch passing in the shadow of our magnificent castle and we’ve also got a wealth of other events and attractions to keep the whole family happy. It’s great to see that the Caerphilly county borough is attracting these major high profile events, especially following the recent announcements about the return of the BBC Proms and the Tour of Britain cycle race this year.”
Here is Caerphilly Observer’s complete guide to everything you need to know for the big day.
Olympic Torch Relay: The route and associated road closures
Olympic Torch Relay: Parking and Transport
Olympic Torch Relay: Olympic Sports Village and the Blue Peter Olympic Roadshow
Olympic Torch Relay: Food Festival
Olympic Torch Relay: The Torchbearers
For readers information the history of the Olympic torch began in Nazi Germany in 1936. It was the idea promoted to Hitler by Carl Diem ( a German sport historian) and Theodor Lewald (Chairman of the German Olympic committee).
I offer no comment, other than that this idea of carrying a flame never occurred to the ancient Greeks or the founder of the modern olympics. As a historian I just find it fascinating that Adolf Hitler still influences our lives in many ways 67 years after his death.
The flame itself was very much a part of the Olympics in ancient Greece, burning throughout the competition. It is great that we have taken the idea of a relay to show inclusion for all in the country in our Olympic games – one in the eye for Adolf!
9.40 AM Saturday, This is probably the most sucessfull, popular, well attended event held in Caerphilly for many many years.
Coupled with the Town`s food festival it must have been a logistical nightmare to organise, (by staff of Caerphilly Council`s events department),And, true to their usual magnificent organising abilities the event will go down in Caerphilly`s history.
Well done Paul Hudson and his staff of Caerphilly Council`s events department.