The Olympic Flame is coming to the Isle of Man as part of its journey around the UK and British Isles in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympics. The Olympic Torch will arrive here on Saturday 2 June 2012, coinciding with the start of the TT2012 Races. The Isle of Man is one of six Island Visits across the UK and British Isles confirmed today (18 May 2011) by the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). The evening events will offer thousands of people the opportunity to come together and get involved in celebrations and share in the Olympic spirit. As part of the events, LOCOG and the Presenting Partners, Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, will look at showcasing the best of the Isle of Man to reach as much of the population as possible. The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday 18 May 2012 and the 70 day Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall, on the morning of the 19 May 2012. On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame is expected to travel an estimated 8,000 miles across the UK, giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to their doorstep. The Olympic Flame will arrive at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, said: ‘The Isle of Man is honoured to be hosting the Olympic flame on 2 June 2012. It will arrive on the Isle of Man on the first race day of the TT next year, which will enable thousands of visitors as well as residents to witness the spectacle. The coming of the Olympic flame to our Island will be a significant part of our sporting history and will tie us firmly into the global Olympic family. ‘I know everyone will want to watch the Olympics but this way even those of us who can’t travel to the UK can be part of the Olympics firsthand.’ Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: ‘We are thrilled that the Isle of Man has agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across the Isle of Man celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of the Island. We have no doubt that the welcome the Isle Man will provide will demonstrate how the spirit of the Olympic Games is reaching out across the UK and excitement builds as the start of the 2012 Games draws closer.’ The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers and once the detailed daily route is confirmed later this year, it is our aim that 95% population will be within a one hour journey time, of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer nomination programme launches today at 11am. Together with the three Presenting Partners – Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung – LOCOG is seeking 8,000 of the most inspirational people to have their moment to shine next summer by carrying the Olympic Flame. Full details of the LOCOG Torchbearer programme and how to nominate potential Torchbearers will be released from 11am today. In addition to the locations confirmed on the route today, many other cities, towns, villages and places of outstanding natural beauty, sports venues and community hubs will be announced in a second, more detailed route announcement later this year that will confirm the many other places the Olympic Flame will visit on each day of the Relay. ENDS