Gearing up for the 2012 Olympics, the 2008 Olympic torch relay London event sees the Olympic flame come to London once more.

Travelling as part of the worldwide run, the Olympic torch relay visits 22 cities, takes in five continents and all the provinces in China before heading off to Beijing for the start of the Olympic Games. Coming to London once again, after the torch visited our shores in 2004, the official Olympic flame will be carried by 80 torch bearers as it passes through the various areas and boroughs of the city.

Celebrities and athletes will be part of the lucky 80 torch bearers that take part in the 2008 Olympic torch relay in London, with Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Trevor McDonald and actress Amara Karan just three of the priviledged few. Other stars of the stage, screen and music scene will also get to hold the historic torch aloft as it is carried through ten London boroughs, starting with Wembley Stadium and finishing at the o2 Arena in Greenwich, where the day will culminate with a free celebration.

Join classical violinist Vanessa Mae, cricketer Kevin Pieterson, TV presenter Knooie Huq as they carry the torch, along with more classic sporting stars from the past. Tessa Sanderson, Duncan Goodhew, Gail Emms, and Ed Coode will be showing off their Olympic prowess as they carry the famous symbol through the streets of the city.

With large crowds expected to adorn the route of the Olympic torch relay, London will be keen to see the flame as it passs along their streets. Differing from the route in 2004, the Olympic torch relay for 2008 will take in many areas of the city, and bring with it a variety of Olympic events and activities to accompany it.

The slogan for the Olympic torch relay for 2008 is Light the Passion, Share the Dream and this will be especially true for 18 young people. Several lucky torchbearers are set to be chosen from schools, colleges and sports clubs around London to carry the flame through the city along with the celebrities, sports stars and athletes. Youngsters over the age of 14 will have the glamorous and historic chance to carry the flame on its Olympic torch relay before it returns to China for the start of the Olympics. With the success of the Athens Olympic torch relay, the 2008 Olympics are once again guaranteed a spectacular build up.

As it starts its journey the Olympic torch is lit in Olympia, Greece in March before travelling along the historic Silk Road. Coming to London on the 6th April after taking in five continents, and reaching the highest of heights as the relay reaches Mount Everest, the flame finally arrives at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics and lighting the cauldron on 8th August.

The final confirmed route for the London leg of the torch relay is as below.

10:30am - Wembley
11:00am - Ladbroke Grove
12:20pm Notting Hill Gate
12pm - Oxford Street
12:30pm - China Town
12:40pm - Piccadilly Circus
12:50pm - Trafalgar Square
1:30pm - Southbank Centre
2:15pm - Somerset House
2:30pm - St Paul's
3pm - Potters Field and More London
4pm - Stratford
5pm - Canary Wharf
6pm - Greenwich

Each stage of the Olympic torch relay will see fantastic live performances and exciting entertainment for the crowds. From a mini carnival at Ladbroke Grove to a Bollywood brass band at Somerset House, there will be unique and unusual events at every stage of the day. Ending with a fantastic finale of music from the Sugababes and amazing gymnastic displays in Greenwich, the Olympic torch relay is set to be a full on day of excitement for all.

If you would like to register for tickets for the Olympic torch finale at Greenwich, please click on the link below for more information.