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On 7 November the full route for the London 2012 Torch Relay was announced. This means that cultural groups interested in providing activity along the route can start to think tangibly about where and how they might animate the passing of the Torch and entertain the crowds waiting to see it.

Responsibility for programming activity along the route in each area is down to the different local authorities, and Tessa Gordziejko, Creative Programmer for Yorkshire for London 2012, is supporting this process by offering briefings for cultural groups, artists and local authorities to get together, talk about how it will work and for local groups to have information to help them plan an effective ‘route offer’. They can also give some guidance on applying for small grants or otherwise raising funds if additional resources would be needed.

The final session takes place in Leeds Town Hall on Friday 9 December 2011 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. It is open to all cultural groups, amateur, professional and community artists. After the session groups will be invited to submit a short description of their ‘route offer’ and all these will be compiled and provided to the relevant local authority officers with responsibility for planning route animation.

Places are limited so please contact Jodie Daber by email as soon as possible to secure a place, at: jodie.daber@artscouncil.org.uk.

Voluntary Arts is currently researching similar opportunities throughout the UK and will publish this information in the next Once in a Lifetime briefing. Please contact Helen Thomas: helen@voluntaryarts.org if you have any useful information (or contacts) to share about what is being planned in your region to animate the Olympic Torch Relay.