The Paralympic Torch Relay programme will include four separate ceremonies in each nation of the UK, followed by a 24-hour Torch Relay from Stoke Mandeville to the Olympic Stadium.

The first flame lighting event will be held in London on Friday 24 August 2012. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Greater Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff will then each host a unique flame-lighting moment. Once a flame has been lit it will visit local community groups and key locations in and around the city.

Each city will also host an evening celebration called a Flame Festival, featuring Flame-themed entertainment and a lantern procession.

The four flames will then be combined at the special ceremony at Stoke Mandeville, the home of the Paralympic Movement, on Tuesday 28 August to create the London 2012 Paralympic Flame. Later that evening, 580 Torchbearers will take part in a 24-hour Torch Relay to journey the Flame to London for the opening of the Paralympic Games.

Igniting excitement

Presented by BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay will showcase the very best of teamwork by shining a light on those who have worked together to reach a collective goal.

LOCOG Chair Seb Coe said: ‘Day after day our Paralympians show the energy of human endeavour both on and off the sporting field of play. By lighting the flame which heralds the start of their competition through the energy of human endeavour, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay is a tribute to their inspirational stories of courage and determination and a celebration of teamwork right across the UK.

‘Today we welcome BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s to the Paralympic Torch Relay team as our Presenting Partners. Each of the three organisations has a great history of community involvement and we are thrilled to be working with them to ignite people’s excitement ahead of 11 days of fantastic Paralympic sport.’

Find out more about the Paralympic Torch Relay and Flame Festivals