The Olympic Torch relay continues to travel across the UK. The following is an update received from yesterdays events in York to highlight the continuing interest the Torch is generating amongst communities across the country.
Estimated update on numbers yesterday- Day 32 as it ran from Hull to York:
- 194,000 people watched it
- 55,000 for the evening event
- over 30,000 at York racecourse for the evening event
The general mood across the UK is good and larger numbers are expected as the torch reaches the larger cities. There are minor issues which have been addressed and work through between LOCOG, police and partners in Local Authorities and these mainly relate to stewarding numbers due to large crowds.
There has been some over exuberance, due to live cameras, of youth wanting to get in the picture. This has been resolved with a minor change in the torch team tactics and is working well.
Immediate debriefs are taking place and being shared across forces and this is proving beneficial to manage issues such as crowds.
It is estimated that some 3.8 million people have been out to see the torch to date and this is expected to rise in excess of 20million by the end of the relay in London.
On-going advice for London
- Plan ahead for the torch relay in London which starts on the 20th July? www.getaheadofthegames.com
- Anticipate larger crowds – check times , how will staff get in through crowds, opening of stores/offices etc
- Plan ahead for your staff wanting to see the event- it?s a once in a lifetime experience
- If these are the early indications of interest it is expected London will be busy Games time, especially where evening events or alternative venues may be located.