The London 2012 torch stands at 800mm high and weighs 800g. It is therefore one of the most lightweight torches in the history of the Olympicsand is a three sided golden cone design that has the flame burning through its shell. It is made out of aluminium alloy and the reason for the use of this light weight material is so that the torch could be carried by young people who are expected to make up quite a large percentage of the torchbearers.
The Olympic Flame route has been put together to make it as accessible as possible for anyone who wants to catch a view of the famous Olympic torch. The route has been set out so that the flame travels within 10 miles of 95% of people in the UK, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man. This will allow the local communities near the route to really celebrate the Olympic torch being carried through and also show off the best that their area has to offer.
The South West will see the arrival of the Olympic torch on Saturday 19/5/2012 as Plymouth will be the destination for the first evening celebration in the UK after the torch has been carried from Land's End in Cornwall. Sunday 20/5/2012 there are carnival-style festivities planned for the arrival of the flame in Exeter. The Olympic flame will then travel through Torquay and Paignton on Sunday 20/5/2012 and there is a special greeting being prepared on behalf of the surrounding residents and communities. As a result of these extra celebrations the hotels in Torquay and neighbouring towns are preparing themselves for a busy weekend.
The Olympic Torch Route – South West Route