Olympic torch show line-up ‘keeps getting better’

Following the announcement that Britain’s Got Talent finalists Twist & Pulse will join singer Katy B for a free show on Knavesmire, City of York Council has described the day as a “once-in-a-lifetime event”

Katie B, who recently teamed up with producer Mark Ronson to create an Olympic-themed Coca-Cola advert, said she could not wait to “help spread the excitement in York” on Tuesday, June 19.

Coun Sonja Crisp, head of culture and leisure at the council, said: “The line-up for the evening event just gets better and better.

“We’ll welcome people to the Racecourse with a fantastic afternoon of sports and activities taster sessions before the party kicks off,” she said.

Coun Crisp also described the free show as a “fantastic opportunity to bring thousands of people together to share the excitement of the London 2012 Games”.

The event is just one of a range of events planned to welcome the Olympic flame to York.

Celebrations begin at 11am with the Sporting Giants Games at Bustardthorpe, and will continue at 2pm on the Racecourse with sports demonstrations and interactive stands offering tasters of activities including basketball, cheer-leading, table tennis and equestrian sports.

The stage show begins at 5pm and will be hosted by former Blue Peter Andy Akinwolere.

The torch will be carried through the streets of the city before it is brought to the stage at the racecourse by a thoroughbred horse.

Crowds will be treated to the Olympic flame being brought to the stage by a thoroughbred horse, after the torch has spent the day being carried through the streets of the city. The route will take the torchbearers through Tadcaster Road, Shambles, Bishopthorpe Road and a section of the Bar Walls. Coun Crisp said: “To witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay is probably a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

For more information on the flame in York and the show, go to york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012