Torch relay - how in advance should we arrive

zagfles

It varies a great deal - it passed just 50 yards from our house, at a handover point, I watched the live feed and went down went there 5 mins before and there were no significant crowds and saw the handover and got loads of good pictures.

The rest of the family went down about 20 mins before and had a chat with the woman who was waiting to take the torch, and got loads of pictures with her holding the torch.

But other nearby places were much more packed, friends just up the road couldn't see anything - they were near a tram stop so if it's in an easy to get to place it'll likely be more packed.

gallygirl

Nothing to add really except I saw it today, arrived about 30 mins before hand and had our choice of spots. Managed to pick one by a handover. Had photo taken holding a torch, which may be the only time I'll ever be grateful to Coca Cola . Invested in a flag for DS's gf and inflatable Union Jack torch for me. Cheap tat but worth every penny IFSWIM :rotfl: and they can go to the Olympics with me .

Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and enjoyed waving my torch at all the policemen . Am quite envious of those who still have the chance to see it :cool:.

Really looking forward to it now :T.

lonestarfan

Everything said was very relevant so thank you (could easily apply to any special event so served as a reminder of things to be considered). It really does vary a great deal. The weather was kind. We went for a belt & braces approach as we were based so close to the route so went very early and we had a fantastic spot having considered the corners and handovers etc. Everyone had an absolutely brilliant day. Like gallygirl we bought some tat and all our party just embraced the spirit of it. It really does vary a great deal. The info about the pre convoys was helpful but it did still take us by surprise when it appeared so keep focused! Could have done with someone on the tannoy or security runners or volunteer helpers telling us it was about to arrive as the coke lorry did announce but a long time passed between that and the torch. Got lots of good videos and photos. I agree with the posts that changeover points were busier but you could get a photo with the waiting torchbearer and the one that hands over so potentially 2 good photo opportunities. The town centre part was busy too as were corners so we waited a little bit out of town. Glad I took the deck chairs. Saw a few people did the same but not many. If u don't want to buy a flag we had lots of the free banger things given out free by Samsung they gave loads and you blow them up and bang them together. good fun for the kids. We got the odd small bottle of coke and it had special edition label and lids but they weren't very generous with them I have to say. It was coke zero and coke. Later on in the town we bumped into a torch bearer who was more than happy having photos with people so there's still a chance once the crowds dispersed. Thnx everyone for your input as it was a memorable day which is what we wanted it to be.

xxJudexx

Has anyone been there for the start of the day? The one near my house is the beginning spot at 7.30am I think. I guess they are driving from the past location to this one. Does it start suddenly or is there time for pictures?

balletshoes

xxJudexx wrote: »

Has anyone been there for the start of the day? The one near my house is the beginning spot at 7.30am I think. I guess they are driving from the past location to this one. Does it start suddenly or is there time for pictures?

I should think there would be loads of time to take pictures at the very start of the day, as the police vehicle convoy will head off first, followed by the sponsorship vehicles, then more police vehicles, then the torchbearer and the policemen runners.

kingdavid2012

:rotfl:Two hours earlyier,i would say.Abide by the rule of first come first served.The earlier you're there,the better position you can get.

VfM4meplse

The procession went through my manor this morning - it was a lovely bright sunny day and great to see so many people out at 7am on a Sunday! Lots of people made the mistake of thinking they could turn up 10 mins before showtime, and found no parking.