The Bedlington Parade 2012

15th June 2012 "“ Olympic Torch through Bedlington's Front Street.

On Friday 15th June, the Olympic Torch passes through Bedlington and over 5000 people will be on Bedlington Front Street in the morning to see its procession.

Leading Link and the Bedlingtonshire Development Trust have got together to help make this historic moment an event never to be forgotten and to bring back that magnificent community feeling that was at the heart of Bedlington years ago.

As a pre-empt to the torch arriving, we have been working with several organisations in the town to put on a "˜carnival' like parade to celebrate the area and entertain the school children and general public that will be there. Local television cameras, including the BBC, will also be in attendance.

We already have a brass band on the procession, local dance companies showcasing, 30 decorated and dressed up wheelchairs from a local residential home, over 15 Bedlington Terrier owners and their dogs walking down the street (numbers growing!), and our own massive Bedlington Terrier in the style of a Chinese Dragon, which will be carried by two children from each of the local schools. We will also have a stage in the Market Place, with a compere and music to give regular updates on the torch procession through the county, and to help excite the crowds.

To make this a true community affair, we are still seeking support from other local groups and communities who may wish to showcase themselves to the community during the parade, and we welcome your input. You could actively promote your organisation and/or help to make a truly great atmosphere to show the nation that Bedlington is here and we're proud of it!

Our parade will start at 10:30 from the top of the street and will proceed down towards the Market Place and back up and into the Community Centre for a 11:00am prompt finish. We must be ready to go at 10:15am and must be clear of the street by 11:05am, to allow for official Olympic procession vehicles to take over. During this time this part of the road will be closed to traffic.

If this is something that you are interested in being involved with, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us as soon as possible. You can ring me on 01670 820088 or email lyn.horton@leadinglink.co.uk