Olympic Torch route through Islington is announced
The eagerly-anticipated Olympic Torch route through Islington was announced this morning with the council planning spectacular events to run alongside.
The relay travels from King’s Cross to begin its journey through the borough just before 8am at the London Canal Museum in New Wharf Road.
Torchbearers plan to make their way up Caledonian Road, along Offord Road and Highbury Station Road before reaching Highbury Corner roundabout.
The torch heads along Upper Street, which will be closed, with a brief pause at Islington Town Hall scheduled for 8.22am. It moves towards Angel Tube station and into St John’s Street before heading into the City.
A jam-packed line up of festivities to celebrate the occasion starts with a free family fun day at the Canal Museum from 7.30am until 1pm.
From 8am, Islington Town Hall comes alive with music from the London Symphony Orchestra, aerial performances from Scarabeus Theatre and dance from Sadlers Wells and Zoonation.
The performances mark the culmination of weeks of preparation involving young people and community groups from Islington.
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Youngsters can try 19 different Olympic and Paralympic sports during a community sporting extravaganza from 10am in Highbury Fields.
Olympic mascots Wenlock and Mandeville will be entertaining the crowds - and visitors can have a photo with the torch used in the Beijing Olympic Games.
Leader of Islington Council, Cllr Catherine West, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the Olympic torch and hosting celebrations that everyone can get involved with for free.
“Our celebrations aren’t limited to July 26 either. The council decided we could manage with less bunting than other boroughs, and invested the bunting money from the Greater London Authority (GLA) in a huge range of cultural and sporting events this summer for Islington residents.”
The authority is working with the GLA, the Czech Republic, Sadlers Wells and arts and community groups to plan activities around the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event details – including information about how roads will be affected in Islington – can be found at www.islington.gov.uk/2012.
