Guildford - Celebrating the Torch event

Released on 10 May 2012

Tickets available from Friday 18 May

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will pass through Shere and Guildford on Friday 20 July, finishing its journey through Surrey at the celebration in Stoke Park.

The afternoon and evening celebration is the only one in the county, and local residents will be able to apply for free tickets from Ticketmaster from 8am on Friday 18 May. There is no charge for the event entertainment or entry, but there is a small administration fee of £1 per ticket. The fairground and catering outlets will charge any spectators who use them.

Cllr Jen Powell, Lead Councillor for Culture and Leisure at Guildford Borough Council says: "Hosting this celebration to welcome the Olympic Flame will be a fantastic opportunity for our community, and the visitors we hope will join us. We want to give plenty of notice for local residents, and those in the surrounding area, that they can apply for tickets from Ticketmaster from 8am on 18 May. This should be a date to remember as it's also the day the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK.

"We are planning the final details for the event with LOCOG, their presenting partners, and our local partners to make sure there is stunning entertainment and a very warm welcome. There will be opportunities for everyone to join in the fun. As well as a fairground, locally-based music and other performances there will be a selection of regional food and drink. You can also try out a variety of sports, arts and dance activities. Or just relax and enjoy the show, which includes a live performance from Rizzle Kicks. We hope that future generations will look back on 20 July 2012 as an historic day for everyone to remember."

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "The celebration events give the whole family a chance to share the excitement of the Olympic Games as we countdown to the Opening Ceremony.

"The event in Guildford is set for an exciting line-up, including performances from talented local people. I am looking forward to the series of 66 celebrations showing how diverse the UK's cultural life is as the eyes of the world turn our way."

Guildford is one of the 66 celebration locations across the UK, and we expect up to 25,000 people. The fun starts from 2pm with something for everyone at this family-focused event, which closes at 10pm. The free tickets will only be available from and issued by ticket agent, Ticketmaster. These will be available from their website www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 844 0444 for those without online access.

All tickets will be available from 8am on 18 May, on a first come, first served basis. There will be 12,000 tickets prioritised for residents with a post code in the Guildford borough. The remainder will be available to all local applicants. The application process will be the same for all applicants, with a maximum of six tickets per household. There is a small administration fee of £1 per ticket.

Each person attending the event, including babies and small children, will need a ticket. All young people aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged over 18 years.

Full terms and conditions will be available at the time of ticket application.

Anyone can watch the Olympic Torch Relay anywhere along the route. Free tickets are only needed for entry to the celebration event in Stoke Park. This will take place across most of the eastern area, between Jubilee Wood and Burchatts Barn, and this part of Stoke Park will be enclosed with barriers on 20 July.

We encourage everyone to use public transport, walk or cycle to the event, as there will be no public parking at Stoke Park. We will promote the latest travel information when we have more details to help people plan their journey.

Please note that tickets will not be available from our website, or by contacting the Council by phone, in writing, or in person. Tickets will only be available from the agent at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/.