The torch convoy will arrive in the city at 17:23 on the 19 June at York College. The convoy itself will have about 22 vehicles (including Police outriders and sponsor activation trucks) and here in York will also be followed by 200 cyclists. We are expecting it to take about 15 minutes to pass any one point from start to finish. There will be a rolling road closure on inbound traffic along Tadcaster Road through until it reaches the city centre foot streets and then out again on Bishopthorpe Road. We are expecting that there will be knock on delays across the city.
Rather than get stuck in traffic you may wish to set off early to come to the free concert that starts at 17:00 on the Knavesmire. Hosted by Andy Akinwolere (ex Blue Peter) and featuring the winners of Sky‘s smash hit dance show ‘Got To Dance’ Chris & Wes and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ finalists Twist & Pulse and rap star Katy B as well as our own York Arts Academy African drummers Umbu and Calabash and the Zamar Gospel choir from the University of York. We will have a pile of sports activities happening prior to the concert so there will be something for everyone from 14:30 onwards. The torch itself will be arriving at the racecourse at 18:50 and this will be broadcast on BBC news. If you wish to attend the free concert please register your interest on the website http://www.yorkgold2012.co.uk/. This does not issue you with a ticket, as the event is free, but it will help York to plan for the safety and parking at the event.
The following day on the 20 June the Olympic Torch will run from the Minster to the NRM where it will leave for points north on the steam train the “Scots Guardsman”. There will be city centre road closures operating between 07:40 and 08:20 which may again cause delays for those using the city centre.