IT DIDN’T RAIN…….on OUR OLYMPIC TORCH PARADE

Yesterday evening was one of much excitement here in Derby, it was also one of trepidation.  Trepidation as after all the bad weather we didn’t want it to spoil our Olympic Torch Parade….and yes, excitement as for many of us it is once in a lifetime experience to share in the Olympics and see the Olympic Flame!. The torch has been on a relay across the U.K. and to-night it was to end to-days leg here in Derby.

Darley Park was to be the end of the journey and pre-torch entertainment was laid on in style. Even very early to the arrival of the Torch people gathered to share the fun. A Big screen and stage plus of course the obligatory heavy bass to the sound (gosh I am getting old!)

All services laid on plus a small army of police to control the citizens of Derby…even a ‘hit squad’ of eager young officers in case of real over excitement!

But the Park soon swelled in numbers with an early estimate of 50,000 plus the thousands more who had lined the route during the day.  Big numbers to ‘thumb the nose’ at those who said it would be a damp squib.

 

As with any big gathering some child will loose its mum or dad.  But excellent security teams patrolled and  for this little girl she was soon reunited with an anxious  mum and for the girl just another little bit of excitement to remember when she is bigger!

But the entertainment continued in noisy style and the sun actually shone  to add even more brightness to the occasion. The Olympic Torch motto ‘Moment to Shine’ seemed very appropriate. The noise levels rose all with one aim…..that was to raise tension for the arrival of the Torch and t boy it did and it seemed like an age to wait for the main event!

 

THE OLYMPIC TORCH ARRIVES IN DERBY

Surrounded by T.V. Cameras, the ever present Escort and the ‘spare flame’, on a route lined by Solders, the Torch arrived to a cacophony of sound and cheers.  The Torch Bearer for this final leg of the day was James Toseland, The World Superbike Champion. The Torch might only be a symbol but for this crowd watching, and in touching distance, it was a night to remember, just look at these young lads obvious joy…

 

Then with a quick wave of the hand and the Torch held high, it was gone heading off to light the Olympic Cauldron on the Stage.  A brief glimpse maybe but well worth waiting for…..

Then with style and even more shouting of jubilation the Flame was, as they say, ‘Put to Bed for the Night’

BUT THE EVENING CONTINUED

An even more colourful extravagance was planned for the rest of the evening with a Brazilian Party Night in the Cities Market Place.  Brazilian it was labelled but it was heavily and colourfully influenced by Derby’s Asian community and what a spectacular display they created…..

So accompanied by Brazilian Drums and an even louder Indian Drum beat the Dancers lead the crowds back to the Market Place to Dance the Night Away in Brazilian style but with a dash of a very proud Derby…glad to host the Olympic Flame…..as for me, well I had had too much excitement for one night so it was off home to bed (so sorry no pics of the Market Place).

 

 

29th JUNE 2012

DERBY ENGLAND U.K.

Posted 30th June