Olympic Celebrations

The long wait is almost over, and the world’s finest athletes will soon be touching down in Britain for the 2012 London Olympics.

But while the main focus is on London, this year’s Olympic Games are shaping up to be something truly special for the whole country. As one of the UK’s most iconic seaside resorts, the English Riviera will be proudly joining in to celebrate the momentous occasion and cheer our boys and girls on to victory with a range of special events.

The Olympic Torch comes to the English Riviera

It all begins in May, when the famous Olympic Torch reaches the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. As part of the official London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route, specially selected Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame through the Riviera towns of Torquay and Paignton on Sunday 20th May. Hopefully the bearers won’t be too distracted by the wonderful beaches, vibrant atmosphere and the smell of world-class cuisine to continue on with their journey!

The return of the Olympics has special significance for the English Riviera, particularly for those residents born in the first half of the 20th Century. In 1948, when the Olympics Games were last held in the UK, Torquay played host to the sailing events, witnessing first-hand the trials and tribulations of the Olympic athletes of yesteryear.

In 2012, the English Riviera will once again be cheering on Team GB, and in addition to the specially organised events taking place, you’ll find plenty of traditional British pubs showing all the action on big screens.