The Torch Relay around the UK will spread the message of the London 2012 Games, inspiring everyone in the lead up to the Opening Ceremony.

The Olympic Torch is lit in a tradtional ceremony in Olympia, Greece

Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Flame is one of the enduring symbols of the Olympic Games, representing peace, unity and friendship. As it is carried around the UK for the Olympic Torch Relay it will bring the spirit of the Games to everyone.

Lit in Olympia, Greece, in a traditional ceremony, the Olympic Flame will be taken on a short relay in Greece before arriving in the UK on 18 May 2012.

On a 70-day journey across the UK, the Flame will be carried by 8,000 Torchbearers, generating excitement as it makes its way to London and the Opening Ceremony of the Games. The Flame will come within a one-hour journey for 95 per cent of the population of the UK – with entertainment, shows and concerts marking its arrival at each stop.

 The Relay will help shine a light on the best of the UK – from dynamic urban areas to places of outstanding natural beauty, as well as sporting and cultural landmarks.

Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung are the Presenting Partners for the Torch Relay. Find out more about the Presenting Partners

 Carrying the Torch

Carrying the Olympic Flame in the lead up to the Games will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We’ve promised to use the power of the Games to inspire a new generation, so more than half of the Torchbearers will be young people.

The Torchbearer nomination process will be announced in May 2011, giving people across the UK the chance to be involved in the historic countdown to the start of London 2012.

Official Olympic Torch Relay emblem

FutureBrand, part of McCann Worldgroup (the Official Marketing Services Provider to London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games), created the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay emblem.

The emblem ‘infill’ of the London 2012 Olympic logo is suggestive of the Olympic Flame – reflecting in all directions and shining a light on the communities and people it will reach on its journey across the UK.

The range of rich gold and yellow colours is suggestive of the warmth and inspiration of the Olympic Flame.

History and tradition

The Torch and Relay were important elements of the cultural festivals surrounding the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece.

During the Games, a sacred flame burned continually on the altar of the goddess, Hera. In addition, heralds were summoned to travel throughout Greece to announce the Games, declaring a sacred truce for the duration.

The first modern-day Olympic Torch Relay took place at the Berlin 1936 Games and was based on the ancient ceremonies. The significance of the ritual – and the call to peace – is still respected in the modern Torch Relay.

A very precise ritual for the lighting and journey of the Flame is followed at every Games. It is lit from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera on Mount Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the original Olympic Stadium. After a short relay around Greece, the Flame is then carried to the new Host Country, where it is transferred from one Torchbearer to another, spreading the message of humanity and light. 

The Flame arrives at the Host City and enters the Olympic Stadium at the Opening Ceremony. The last relay runner transfers the Flame from their Torch to the place where it will continue to burn for the entire length of the Games. The Flame is extinguished on the final day of the Games, at the Closing Ceremony.

The Paralympic Torch Relay

The build-up to the Paralympic Games will also be marked by a UK-wide Paralympic Torch Relay in August 2012, and will feature various celebrations and events. Plans will be announced later this year.

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