It has been two historic days for the East Riding, as thousands of people lined the streets of Bridlington, Beverley, Brough and Goole to witness the Olympic Torch’s arrival in the area.
The torch reached Bridlington at 3pm yesterday (Monday, 18 June) afternoon on Scarborough Road and was greeted by hundreds of residents and visitors as well as Councillor Chad Chadwick, chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Around 15,000, people saw the flame pass through the town as it took in Scarborough Road, Quay Road, Hilderthorpe Road and Kingsgate.
Councillor Chadwick said: “The atmosphere in Bridlington was fantastic, and it was great to see so many people out and about showing their support for those inspirational people selected to be torchbearers.
“This day will long be remembered by those who witnessed it and for many will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
“I was also in Goole today to see the torch, and the whole town turned out to welcome the flame with a real community spirit.”
After leaving Bridlington, the torch headed for Beverley and arrived on Norwood at 4.16pm before passing through Saturday Market, Toll Gavel, Wednesday Market, Lord Roberts Road, Champney Road and down Keldgate, passing by Beverley Minster.
Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “It was a very proud moment for both Beverley and the East Riding, and I would like to congratulate all those people who carried the torch through our area and thank visitors and our residents for their fantastic support.
“More than 25,000 people turned out in Beverley to see the relay and similarly large crowds were also in Bridlington, Brough and Goole. The Olympic Torch Relay was an opportunity for the East Riding to shine on a global platform, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.”
This morning (Tuesday, 19 June), Michael Wood, East Riding town crier, rallied residents in Brough and Elloughton ahead of the Olympic Torch’s arrival in the town, at 7.37am on Welton Road.
At 8. 29am the torch arrived in its final viewing place in the East Riding in Goole, were the chairman of the council again greeted the flame.
Huge crowds also lined the streets as the torch passed by Goole College and headed down Boothferry Road, around the town centre and back up to Rawcliffe Road, during which time the torch was carried by Great Britain swimmer, Ellie Faulkner.
Councillor Parnaby added: “I’m sure residents and visitors to the East Riding will look back on this event fondly in the years to come. The Olympic Torch Relay will create a lasting legacy for sport and culture in this country, and its impact on the East Riding will continue beyond these two days.”
