Torch Relay crowds double expected figures in Haringey

Publication date: Thursday 26 July 2012

Torch Relay fever hit Haringey yesterday with double the expected crowds cheering on the Torchbearers.

From Tottenham through to Alexandra Palace well wishers gathered in 32 degrees heat, with the crowd 15 to 20 deep in places, to greet the runners and welcome the Olympic flame to Haringey.

Although police had estimated the crowd figures to reach 90,000 the actual attendance in the borough was estimated at 180,000--the biggest of any borough on day 68 of the relay.

Special platforms and viewing areas for wheelchair users and people with disabilities in Wood Green, Priory Road and Alexandra Palace meant everyone could find a spot to greet the Torchbearers. Haringey was the only London borough to offer these facilities.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall paid a surprise visit to the MENCAP Community Centre in Tottenham High Road--with the Duchess sporting an "I love Tottenham" badge. The Royals had their own Torch moment, when they witnessed the "kiss" torch changeover in front of hundreds of well wishers.

Further along the route Bruce Castle Park's Family Sport Festival in Tottenham entertained hundreds of families for hours while waiting for the Torch's arrival. Hundreds more people, including Haringey Council Leader, Cllr Claire Kober, joined US State Department's Hannah Rosenthal, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and Farah Pandith, Special Representative to Muslim Communities in a mile long walk around the park to support the 2012 Hours Against Hate/ Walk A Mile Campaign.

Across the borough at Alexandra Palace the ticketed Evening Celebration saw thousands more joining in the fun, watching staged entertainment and witnessing Daley Thompson light the Olympic Cauldron on the stage.

The parklands around the Palace saw another 7,000 people without tickets gather to watch a big screen showing the events taking place at the Evening Celebration, with many picnicking for hours afterwards, enjoying the sun.

Haringey Council leader, Cllr Claire Kober, said:

"Yesterday was a memorable day for thousands of people in Haringey as the whole community came together to celebrate the Olympics. Whether at Bruce Castle, Alexandra Park or along the route everyone shared in the excitement of the torch passing through our borough and will have many special memories to take away. It was Haringey at its best."

View photos

You can view a selection of photos from the event on our website - with many more available on Flickr here (external link)

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