Olympic Torch and Celebrations in Nottingham

The crowds have rarely departed from Market Square lately. First, the Queen's visit drew thousands, whilst the recent Night of Festivals brought in a variety of spectators throughout the weekend and now they've all returned once more for the Olympic Torch, arriving in Nottingham in the early evening of Thursday 28th June.

The entertainment began promptly at 5:15pm, following a countdown on the huge screens before the Council House, interspersed with adverts from the sponsors of the events; Lloyds TSB, Coca Cola and Samsung.
Local talents sandwich the main acts; opening with dance troupes, cheerleaders and choirs from around Nottinghamshire. Plenty of young people, in the aforementioned groups as well as alone, convey the charisma and charm that only youth can afford as they tell the story of notable Nottingham talents Torvill and Dean, Robin Hood and Brian Clough.

The free event isn't low on celebrity status either, as Britain's Got Talent hopefuls Twist and Pulse present an exceptionally well recieved short segment of the show. After showing off their acclaimed dance talents, the impressive Torch Followers continue the high level of talent on offer, performing an exhilirating selection of tricks - the highlight of which includes two vertigo-inducing poles and a pair of fearless acrobats.

The crowd are soon pumping as Loick Essien performs a short selection of his slick R&B inspired pop, including his succesful breakthrough single 'How We Roll'. It's not long after his set closes that Torvill and Dean make their way through the square, holding the torch high as the crowds serenaded it's entrance with a mexican wave of deafening cheers.

After lighting the cauldron, the pair jumped with glee, celebrating with the rest of the crowd before answering a few questions and being ushered off stage to make way for the return of the local choir to close the evening with renditions of Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now', amongst other sing-a-long favourites.

Beginning it's journey early the next day, the torch swiftly began it's exit out of Nottingham and towards Derby, where celebrations akin to Nottingham's await.

Laura Sheard, Frans Mardahl, Alexander Mills, Yves De Voeght, Henrik Bennet, Caroline Blomley, Christopher Deere, Etienne Cassagne and Carolin Knottenbeld carry the torch past Forest Fields Recreation Ground. Photo: Simon McMurdo

Words: Simon McMurdo