Local stars set to shine at Evening Celebration to welcome Olympic Flame

Excitement continues to build as Dover gets set for the major free Evening Celebration coming to Dover Seafront as part of the Olympic Torch Relay this summer.

The celebration at Dover Seafront will enable thousands of people in the area to enjoy a variety of entertainment staged by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the three Presenting Partners of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay - Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung - with support from Dover District Council.

Dover District Council has confirmed that the stage show on Dover Seafront will be ticketed, to ensure that local people have priority to attend. Tickets will be free, although a small administration fee will be applicable, and tickets will be weighted to Dover District residents. Tickets will be available towards the end of May from Ticketmaster, and full details will be announced in the near future.

During the stage show, Dover District Council, with our community partners, will present two ten-minute slots of locally programmed entertainment. This will include a performance of Pass The Passion, a song written and sung by local school children.

The three Presenting Partners will also each provide 20 minutes of exciting and stimulating entertainment for the event. This will include Coca-Cola showcasing an exciting up-and-coming live music act, Lloyds TSB bringing stunning acrobatic performances to the site and Samsung staging dance performances.

Prior to and during the show, the audience will have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities courtesy of Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. These include having your photograph taken with the London 2012 Torch and other Olympic-related activities.

Towards the end of the two-hour show, the last Torchbearer of the day in Dover will light a celebration cauldron on stage at the event.

The stage show is a ticketed event, however a spectacular firework finale will also be held on the seafront, and will be open for all to attend and celebrate the Olympic Flame.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: "We are investing in this event to provide the Olympic legacy of a developing and forward looking Dover. This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy a major event, to welcome the Torch, and to share in the excitement of the Olympics. We continue to work closely with the community and all our partners to prepare a warm welcome for the Olympic Flame, and we are looking forward to a successful Evening Celebration event on Dover Seafront."

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "The evening celebrations give the whole family a chance to share the excitement of the Olympic Games as we countdown to the Opening Ceremony. The event on Dover Seafront is set for an exciting line-up, including performances from talented local people who will give each celebration a distinct feel. I am looking forward to the series of 66 evening celebrations showing how diverse the UK's cultural life is as the eyes of the world turn our way."

James Williams, Director, Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola said: "We are thrilled to be taking some of the nation's best loved and most exciting up-and-coming musical talent on the road for an incredible 66 night tour to give young people across the country the chance to Move to the Beat and participate in the magic of London 2012. We're encouraging everyone to join us in celebrating the Coca-Cola Future Flames who have carried the Olympic Flame through their communities by finding out more about their local events, and by getting tickets to the massive finale celebration concert in London's Hyde Park by visiting www.ticketmaster.co.uk/coca-colacelebrations"

Sally Hancock, Director, 2012 Partnership and Group Sponsorship at Lloyds Banking Group, said: "As the only National Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, we're encouraging everyone to celebrate with Lloyds TSB as the Flame passes their front door. To find out how you can join in the celebrations with Lloyds TSB in your community and how local residents at each evening celebration site can win tickets to London 2012, please visit www.lloydstsb.com/london2012"

Andy Griffiths, Managing Director, Samsung UK and Ireland said: "We are delighted to be supporting the 66 Evening Celebrations during the Olympic Torch Relay. Samsung's ambition is to make London 2012 everyone's Olympic Games and for these celebrations we have created opportunities for as many people as possible to take part in what we're sure will be an unforgettable experience."

The Olympic Torch Relay will start at Land's End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. On leaving Land's End, the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them. The Olympic Torch Relay will come to Dover for the Evening Celebration on Wednesday 18 July, and the Relay will go on to Deal, Sholden and Sandwich on Thursday 19 July.