Olympic Torch Relay 2012
Thousands flock to town centre for torch relay
Ian Richardson - Torchbearer
Thousands of visitors flocked to Bishop Auckland to see the Olympic Torch Relay pass through the Market Place, Newgate Street and Cockton Hill creating a carnival atmosphere throughout the town.
The crowds were entertained by Bryn Haswell, Roman Soldiers from Binchester’s Roman Fort, Mr. Twister, Durham Rams Sword and Morris Men, Bishop Auckland Pipes and Drums, X-treme Dance Fuzion and Bishop Auckland Choir.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Charlie Kay and the M.P., Helen Goodman.
The Bishop Auckland Pipes and Drums led children from Etherley Lane Primary School in a parade of nations. All the children carried different flags from around the world and paraded down North Bondgate into the market place where there were thousands waiting.
The torchbearers through Bishop Auckland were:
• Ian Richardson from Billingham
• Kieran Maxwell from Newton Aycliffe
• Lyndon Longhorn from Crook
• Robert Ellis from Spennymoor
• William Mounter from Guisborough
Similar celebrations and scenes were witnessed in neighbouring towns and villages, as the olympic torch passed through Tow Law, Sedgefield, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe and Middridge.
