With just one week to go until the Olympic Torch Relay comes to the Isle of Man, the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure is encouraging everyone to line the streets and show their support for the inspirational local Torchbearers.
Hon Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said:
‘The Isle of Man is extremely privileged to host the Torch Relay for a whole day on 2 June. The route and activities have been planned to ensure that the Island takes full advantage of its moment to shine. The Island’s proud sporting, cultural and maritime heritage is represented in what I am sure will be a highlight of the entire Torch Relay. Coinciding with the first race of TT2012, it will be a busy and memorable day for the Isle of Man.’
For the security of the Torch and Torchbearer, spectators are urged not to obstruct the progress of the convoy or come between the security team and the Torchbearer.
Between the Torchbearer locations, the Relay will be in 'convoy' mode. This means the convoy will be transporting the Torch to the next location on the Relay. Whilst you will be able to watch the convoy, there will not be a view of the Torch along these parts of the route. The key points for viewing the Torch Relay are listed below:
Key Olympic Torch viewing points
Location 1: Braddan (est. arrival time 10:25am) National Sports Centre - The Torch Relay will begin with a full lap of the NSC track, offering some of the best views of the Torch on the day. As parking will be limited, spectators are encouraged to arrive before roads close at 10am, park at the Bowl stadium, to use the bus or to walk to the NSC. Quarterbridge to Braddan Church - Amongst the many unique aspects of the Torch Relay in the Isle of Man will be the leg celebrating the Island’s motorsport heritage. David Knight will carry the torch as a passenger for Milky Quayle riding from Quarterbridge to Braddan Bridge.
Location 2: Douglas (est. arrival time 11:20am) South Quay - To commemorate the unique role of the Island in the RNLI, a member from each of the Island’s lifeboat crews will crew the Douglas Lifeboat - RNLI Sir William Hillary, whilst the Torchbearer carries the Torch from Battery Pier to Circus Beach. Horse Tram - Waiting for the Torch to complete its sea journey will be a horse tram to carry it to the War Memorial. Cyclists - Cycling has become an important part of Island life and the huge success of stars such as Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh has put Manx cycling at the forefront of the sport. The cycling leg of the Relay will take place along Douglas Promenade. Manx Electric Railway - Transport is a prominent theme during this leg of the Torch Relay and the Torch will make its way to Laxey by being carried on the Manx Electric Railway.
Location 3: Laxey (est. arrival time 2.20pm) Laxey Wheel - Stopping for an iconic photoshoot at the Laxey Wheel, the Torch Relay will begin its return journey to Castletown before continuing on to Belfast.
Locations 4 and 5: The Olympic Torch will be carried through Onchan (2.40pm) and Ballasalla (3.15pm) by locally nominated Torchbearers in the traditional manner.
Location 6: Castletown (est. arrival time 3.40pm) Lloyds Community Celebration - London 2012 Official Presenting Partners, Lloyds TSB, will be hosting a Community Celebration to welcome the Torch Relay as it passes through Castletown Square and the Speaker’s Gardens. Lloyds TSB will provide a variety of interactive sporting activities, top-class entertainment, spectacular sporting demonstrations, music from Sambamann and limited edition Olympic refreshments courtesy of Official Presenting Partners, Coca Cola. Guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to have their photo taken with the Torch against a specially designed backdrop as a memento of the day. These celebrations are entirely open to the public and are to take place from 2:00pm to 4:30pm, with the Torch Relay passing through Castletown Square at approximately 3:40pm.
Road Notices
Except for the roads listed below and the TT course, all roads will remain open to the public throughout the Torch Relay. However, overtaking the convoy will not be permitted.
Braddan: Saddle Road / Vicarage Road from Saddle Road roundabout to entrance of Kirby Industrial Estate (Temporary Suspension of Parking Places 6am to 11am)
Douglas: North Quay from junction with Quine’s Corner to Ridgeway Street (Temporary Road Closure 11am to 12noon).
Laxey: Suspension of Parking 6am – 2.30pm Ham and Egg Terrace from junction with New Road to Fire Station Access Road
Laxey: Temporary Clearway 6am – 3pm New Road from junction with Ham and Egg Terrace to Queen’s Hotel
