Bishop prepares for Jubilee and Olympic celebrations
Relay will pass through Bishop Auckland and Shildon on Sunday, 17th June
Bishop Auckland is preparing to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic torch relay.
New flags have been added to flagpoles in Newgate Street
Sponsored pennants have been added to 17 lamp posts on Newgate Street, and bunting is expected to be added within the next week in preparation for Jubilee celebrations on Saturday, 2nd June.
Durham musician Bryn, entertainer Mr Twister and dancers will be in Newgate Street on the day, with a programme of events to be available throughout the town from next week.
Medals for Olympic torch children
The Olympic torch relay will cover 8,000 miles across the UK, setting off from Land’s End on 19th May. The flame will pass through Bishop Auckland and Shildon on day 30 of the relay, Sunday, 17th June.
Entertainment has been organised by Bishop Auckland Town Team’s events group and will include pipers and drummers at intervals along the relay route. The Town Team will also distribute engraved medals to school children on the day.
After staying in Durham overnight, at 2.30pm the Olympic Flame will enter Bishop Auckland from Durham Road, before proceeding through the Market Place, Newgate Street, Cockton Hill Road and finally turn left at the traffic lights for St. Andrews Road.
The Town Team is also encouraging traders to decorate their premises with flags, bunting and balloons, and open for the day.
At 2.55pm the flame will enter Auckland Terrace, Shildon from the Elm Road junction, and will proceed to Main Street and Church Street.
Durham County Council has published information about the Olympic torch relay.
