Torch fires up crowds

Friday, 03 August 2012

By Ben Morgan

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of South London to see the Olympic torch pass through their neighbourhoods.

An estimated 40,000 people turned out across Southwark and Lambeth so see the last of the torchbearers on the day before the Games opening ceremony.

The torch arrived at Millennium Bridge in Bankside on Thursday, where 12-year-old Ify Egesi carried the flame.

Ify, who was nominated for the honour by her teachers at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School in Camberwell, was Southwark’s youngest torchbearer.

From there, the flame was carried via the Old Kent Road to the Harris Academy Peckham, before visiting Camberwell Green.

The torch continued its journey into Lambeth, where it was greeted by dancers from the Kinetica group.

The flame arrived at Denmark Hill at noon before passing through Brixton, where the streets were packed with people eager to get a glimpse of the torch.

It was carried down Coldharbour Lane, passing Windrush Square where Levi Roots and US Olympic double gold medal winner Ed Moses addressed the crowds.

A steel band and carnival dancers in Windrush Square helped get the onlookers into the Olympic spirit.

Lambeth’s final brush with Olympic history saw the beacon travel into Battersea, on the way to Chelsea Bridge.

Email: ben.morgan@slp.co.uk

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1 comments on this news item

Posted by : Tamzyn, London | Monday 06/Aug/2012 | Report this comment

Thanks for mentioning us - but just in case anyone is looking for us we are the KINETIKA BLOCO! Great to support Southwark and Lambeth as the Torch passed through!