Flags and Floating Flames!

Art is set to play an important role in Olympic Torch Relay celebratory day

At the start of the month, Lichfield District Council, along with South Staffordshire College, floated colourful origami flames on Minster Pool in a dress rehearsal for Floating Flames.

This is one of many events to celebrate the Olympic Torch Relay passing through Lichfield District on Saturday 30 June.

Floating Flames will see thousands of handmade paper flames floated on Minster Pool from 5pm to 10pm, as part of a stunning candlelit display,

Celia Houghton, Lichfield District Council’s Arts Development Officer, said: “The run-through gave us a chance to see if the paper flames would stay afloat and how long it will take us to light them and place them in the water. We were relieved they all floated and that they looked really beautiful.

“If you want to make your own flame out of paper at a free workshop, come to Museum Gardens on Saturday 30 June between 10am and 5pm.”

In preparation for another event, also forming part of the Olympic Torch day celebrations, in the spring Lichfield District Council sent 37 flags out to 37 schools across the district so they could create their own Olympic-inspired designs.  

The 3ft by 2ft flags were made by local textile artist Henrietta Ellis. The finished designs will be paraded by children through Beacon Park on 30 June 2012 at 10.30am, and then displayed on poles alongside the avenue of trees in Museum Gardens until 5pm.

Celia said: “We wanted to involve schools from across the district in celebrating the Olympic Torch. The response has been great, with lots of schools taking part, including a home school group. We’re all looking forward to seeing the colourful procession, which will launch the Community Games at Beacon Park on 30 June.”

Trudie McGuinness, Director of Leaner Experience at South Staffordshire College, added: “We’re delighted to be involved in welcoming the Olympic Torch to Lichfield. Our learners and staff right across South Staffordshire College are busy making origami flames, showing just how the Olympics can inspire, bring people together and create something truly special.”

To see the route, more information about road closures, and the times the Olympic Torch Relay will pass through local streets, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/2012. The website also has a full programme of the events and activities taking place across the district to celebrate this historic day. 

Pictured are Helen Pettit And Celia Houghton 'testing' the flames.