Oxford's London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Celebration & The Tree of Light

Photos of Torch Relay available on Facebook

Have a look at some excellent photos of Oxford's Torch Relay and Celebration Event in South Park on our Facebook page - and don't forget to 'Like' us and tell us what you thought while you're there.

Contact Us

For any enquiries about Oxford's London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Celebration, please email olympicenquiries@oxford.gov.uk.

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Welcoming the Olympic Flame to Oxford

The London 2012 Olympic Torch will reach Oxford on Monday 9 July (PM) and leave on Tuesday 10 July 2012 (AM). It will travel through the streets of Oxford on its way to a fun filled family Evening Celebration Event at South Park on Monday 9 July 2012.

Please note: The evening event in South Park is a ticket only event and people without tickets should not attempt attending.

It's an historic day for the city and we expect a large number of spectators to come and experience this once in a lifetime chance to see the Olympic Flame on the streets of Oxford.

We'd like to make you aware of a few steps we have taken to help make this a day that everyone can enjoy.

Olympic Torch Route in Oxford - 9-10 July 2012

Communities from Blackbird Leys, Cowley Road, and St Clement's will be able to watch the Olympic Flame as it travels through Oxford.

People from across Oxford will be able to welcome the Olympic Flame to the streets and celebrate the achievements of the inspirational Torchbearers carrying the Flame in their communities.

Route Day 52 - Monday 9 July 2012

• 17:17 Arrival in Oxford
• 17:19 Horspath Road, enters BMW Mini-Plant site
• 17:35 BMW Mini-Plant departure out of Gate 1 onto B480 Watlington Road
• 17:41 Cuddesdon Way
• 17:49 Blackbird Leys Road
• 17:57 Barns Road
• 18:05 B4495 Between Towns Road
• 18:08 B480 Oxford Road
• 18:13 B480 Cowley Road
• 18:34 A420 St Clement's Street
• 18:39 Morrell Avenue
• 18:48 Warneford Lane
• 18:48 Enters South Park during Evening Celebration Event
• 18:50 Lights cauldron on stage

Please note: The Evening Celebration in South Park is a ticket only event and people without tickets should not attempt attending.

See route map

Route Day 53 - Tuesday 10 July 2012

Please note: The Olympic Torch will begin its journey on the morning of the 10 July 2012 at the Sir Roger Bannister Running Track on Iffley Road, however due to the constraints of the site, this is a ticket only event and people without tickets should not attempt attending.

• 07:05 Oxford University Iffley Running Tracks
• 07:16 Departure from Iffley Running Tracks onto Iffley Road
• 07:18 Iffley Road
• 07:27 B4495 Donnington Bridge Road
• 07:33 Donnington Bridge Road - into vehicle and changes to convoy mode

See route map

Olympic Torch Route Map

The Olympic Convoy

A convoy of vehicles will drive past first - signalling that the runners carrying The Olympic Torch will follow in about 10-15 minutes. The roads where the Torch is being carried will be closed to traffic about 20 minutes before the convoy arrives and will remain closed until the Torchbearers have passed (with the exception of Cowley Road which will be closed from the junction of Magdalen Road to the Plain from 5pm-7pm).

It's likely to remain busy in the area for a while after the Torch has passed.

Lining the Route - where to watch

When the Flame travels through Oxford, let's get out and celebrate. Pull on your trainers and paint your face gold. It's time to rally your mates and bring your community together.

Download the document below for inspiration on what to do to help make the event one to remember:

Line the Streets - ideas for celebrating the Torch Relay (PDF)

You can watch the torch at any point along the Oxford route although please note that Cowley Road, The Plain and St Clement's areas are expected to be extremely busy. Viewing may be easier in Blackbird Leys particularly around Blackbird Leys Park.

Events along the Route

Monday 9 July 2012

• 3-7pm: Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground - 3-5pm special after school club for 8-13year olds  when "torches" will be made and children will race from town to town on a large map of UK; 5 00 -7.00 pm BLAP open to families/parents and others for BBQ and music whilst waiting for torch.
• 3-9pm: The Bullnose Morris in Blackbird Leys - Family Event involving, BBQ, bouncy castle, hook-a-duck and mini soccer shoot out.
• 4-10pm: The Blackbird Pub in Blackbird Leys - Natty Hi-Fi presents the Torch Relay Skank at The Blackbird (garden area), Blackbird Leys Road. Entry is free. All are welcome to come along to this Roots Reggae celebration, of the Spirit of the Games featuring DJs, musicians, Caribbean Food, face-painting and activities for the kids.
• 5-7pm: The City Arms on Cowley Road - BBQ & Party.

Tuesday 10 July 2012

• 7-9am: The Magdalen Arms, Iffley Road - Torch Relay breakfast special.
• 6-9am: The Fir Tree, Iffley Road - Torch Relay breakfast special.

What to expect on Monday 9 July 2012

Spectators are likely to start lining the route up to two hours before the Torch arrives. Some areas will be busier than others - main shopping centre areas will probably be very busy, residential areas may be a little quieter.

The arrival of the Torch could be affected by delays and traffic congestion and you may want to be prepared for a wait in the open air in any weather - hot or cold and wet!

• Please ensure vehicles are removed from the Torch Relay Route two hours before it is due to arrive as they may be towed away for security reasons.
• Police, traffic marshals and stewards will be positioned along the route to offer help and advice.
• Some side roads along the route may be temporarily closed 20 minutes before the torch arrives.
• Cowley Road will be closed from Magdalen Road junction to the Plain from 5pm-7pm on Monday 9 July 2012.
• Signs indicating temporary parking restrictions will be put up in advance and traffic cones will be put out on the day.
• Blue Badge parking will be available at Union Street car park.
• You will not be able to move your car for up to 40 minutes while the convoy passes and the crowds disperse.
• Public transport in the area is likely to be disrupted. Visit the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach websites for details of bus services on 9 and 10 July 2012.
• There will be no portaloos along the route.
• If anyone begins to feel unwell please seek advice from a first aid professional. Stewards along the route will direct you to the nearest assistance.
• If you see anyone acting suspiciously or see any unattended bags or suspicious items please speak to a Police Officer.

Road Closures in Oxfordshire

A lists all roads in Oxfordshire that will be affected due to the torch relay can be downloaded below. If you are travelling when the torch relay is passing, plan your journey in advance to avoid disruption. Public transport may also be disrupted.

If you have any queries about road closures and transport disruption during the event, please contact the Highways Team at Oxfordshire County Council on 0845 310 11 11 or email highwayenquiries@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Road closure notice (150kB PDF)

• Some side roads along the route may be temporarily closed 20 minutes before the torch arrives.
• Cowley Road will be closed from Magdalen Road junction to the Plain from 5pm-7pm on Monday 9 July 2012.
• Public transport in the area is likely to be disrupted. Visit the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach websites for details of bus services on 9 and 10 July 2012.

Getting to the Event

Local residents are encouraged to travel to the event by foot or use public transport. Please note that there is no parking available near to South Park.

On Foot

If you are walking from the centre of Oxford, it will take approximately 20 minutes to walk down the High Street and turn up Cowley Road from The Plain roundabout.

By Road

The streets around the Torch Relay route and the Evening Event will have parking reserved for residents only and will be regulated and enforced.

If arriving from outside of Oxford we strongly recommended you use the Park & Ride bus service.

Park & Ride bus services operate from Thornhill, Seacourt, Peartree, Redbridge and Water Eaton.

For further details please visit the Oxford Bus Company website.

Parking & Public Car Parks

Oxford City Council is responsible for off-street parking in Oxford. A list of public car parks can be found on our Car Parks page.

The nearest public car park to the Evening Event is St Clement's Car Park but this is expected to fill-up quickly on the day.

Union Street will be closed on the evening of 8 July 2012 and will remain closed on 9 July 2012 except to Blue Badge holders.

Barns Road car park will operate as normal until 6.30pm on 9 July 2012. After this the car park will operate without charge. The machines will be out of service and no payment will be required. Signage will be installed to reflect this. The car park will then be locked at midnight.

Oxfordshire County Council is responsible for on-street pay-and-display parking in Oxford. Visit the Oxfordshire County Council website for full details.

Coach Parking

There will be coach parking at Oxpens car park (overflow at Westgate car park) operated by Oxford City Council's Parking Team and will be based on first come first served basis. For further information please contact the Parking Team.

By Train

The Oxford train station is served by a frequent direct service between Oxford and London and between Oxford and Birmingham New Street.

First Great Western, Cross Country and Chiltern Railways all operate from Oxford train station.

For further details please visit the National Rail Enquiries website.

By Bus

For those living within the city, there a number of local buses which will stop along the Torch Relay route and directly outside South Park (Headington Hill stop) for the Evening Event.

Express coach services from London (Oxford Tube operated by Stagecoach and X90 operated by Oxford Bus Company) and the Heathrow and Gatwick Express (X70, X80) also stop at St Clement's Street.

Buses run by Stagecoach:

7C

Buses run by Oxford Bus Company:

U1, City 4, 8, 9 and 13

Public transport in the area is likely to be disrupted. Visit the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach websites for bus service arrangements on 9 and 10 July 2012.

Toilet Facilities Available on Monday 9 July 2012

Advice for Businesses

If your business normally receives deliveries on a Monday, please ensure alternative arrangements to minimise disruption.

If you normally see customers by appointment, please advise them in advance that they may not be able to access your premises due to traffic delays on the day.

Please be aware that the use of the Olympic brand and logo is not permitted and official branding guidelines can be found on the London 2012 website.

Advice for Disabled People

For an independent guide for disabled people viewing the Olympic Torch Relay please see the document below:

Access Statement (kB PDF)

Torchbearers

The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 Torchbearers.

An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in each Nation and Region of the UK to devise the route and is taking the Olympic Flame to within ten miles of over 95% of the population.

The Torchbearers confirmed to carry the Flame in Oxford include those that were successful through the public nomination processes run by LOCOG and the Presenting Partners, Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. LOCOG has endeavoured to slot all community Torchbearers within an hour of their nomination address so family and friends can cheer them on. Each Torchbearer will wear a white and gold uniform which been designed by adidas.

You can find a list of Torchbearers in Oxford on the London 2012 website.

Other Information

National Route

For more information about the route in other parts of the country, visit the BBC Torch Relay website.

The man behind the Olympic torch

The Olympic Torch is a powerful symbol of any Olympic Games, and former Oxford Brookes student Jay Osgerby is the man behind the design for 2012.

Page last reviewed 9 July 2012