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A heroes' welcome for Olympic torch in city

The torch - which will make its way through Notts before it comes to the city - will be greeted by dancers, singers and performers when it arrives in Old Market Square on June 28.

The event is part of a programme run by dance company Dance4, Nottingham City Council and the Lakeside Arts Centre and will involve two 10-minute shows at the square, before and after the torch's arrival at 5pm.

The pieces will be based around the theme of Heroes of Nottingham, with performers taking on the roles of local legends Brian Clough, Robin Hood and ice skaters Torvill and Dean.

The line-up was chosen through a series of auditions based on the format of Britain's Got Talent, with 75 artists auditioned to take part in the performance.

It will include local groups the Soundswell Choir, QMX Academy, which is based in St Ann's, Subtext, which meets in Nottingham city centre and solo artists.

The performance will also include breakdancing and musicians.

Rebecca Hayter, dance development manager at Dance4, said she is expecting thousands to turn up on the day.

"Different performers will take the roles of Brian Clough and Robin Hood, as well as Torvill and Dean.

"I think what's really important is promoting Nottingham's talent.

"This event has brought together different people from different areas in the community to celebrate the Olympic Games.

"We have not come across a situation before where you would get a group of people from these different areas working alongside each other."

She said the organisers were also hoping to get members of the public involved in welcoming the torch to the city.

She said: "We have a video, which is a viral leak of the final dance routine. We are trying to spread it as widely as possible, and get people to take part on the day.

"I think it's good that the whole community gets involved.

"The final number in the performance will be Having a Good Time."

The arrival of the torch in Nottingham will also be marked with other events across the city.

There will be a 20-minute set of dance and acrobatic performances, arranged by companies Lloyds TSB and Samsung, as well as a procession of people in carnival costumes along the torch route and special offers at bars and restaurants across Nottingham.

To find out the full list of events on June 28, go to www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

To see the video detailing the dance routine for the torch's arrival at the Old Market Square, go to www.youtube.com and type Torch Relay Nottingham.

Source:www.thisisnottingham.co.uk|

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