Welcome to Kington upon Thames

Olympic Events

Torch Relay via Road – Tuesday 24th July
The Torch will begin its journey through the borough on 24 July 2012 at the Hook Centre, Chessington. More than twenty people from the local area will then have the opportunity to carry the torch during its route through the Royal Borough before handing over to our neighbours in Richmond.

Torch Relay via River – Friday 27th July
On the final day of the Olympic Torch Relay, the Olympic Flame will travel down the River Thames through the centre of Kingston from Hampton Court Palace as it makes its way to the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Olympic Road Race Men’s – Saturday 28th July
Starting at The Mall in London, the Olympic male cyclists will cover a distance of 250KM travelling to Box Hill before returning to The Mall for the finish line. On route from Box Hill, all the cyclists will cross Kingston Bridge through the town centre on a mission to reach the finish line in the quickest time. The London-Surrey Cycle Classic in August 2011 showcased the determination and stamina of the Olympic hopefuls, and this event is sure to be an exciting one.

Olympic Road Race Women’s – Sunday 29th July
The following day the Olympic women cyclists will commence on their mission to win Olympic gold, travelling a slightly shorter distance of 140KM. Exactly as the men the previous day the Women will cycle through Kingston on the return leg of the race as the front runners will hopefully start to break away on the hope of achieving gold.

Time Trial – Wednesday 1st August
Elite Men and Women cyclists will compete in the time trial Olympic events. Starting at Hampton Court Palace, the men will cover a distance of 44KM whilst the women will cover 29KM. Both groups will travel through the Ancient Market Place, past the Tourist Information Centre over Kingston Bridge on route back to the finish line at the end of Hampton Court Road. Unlike the road races that rely on the cyclist’s stamina, the time trials are all about speed. The cyclist who gets to the finish line the quickest will have Olympic victory.

Kingston Cultural Programme

Kingston's Cultural Programme begins on the 2nd June to coincide with the Queen Diamond Jubilee, and finishes on the 9th September. The Cultural Programme incorporates some of Kingston’s major events such as the River Festival, the International Youth Arts Festival and Kingston Carnival.

For a full Cultural Programme click here.

Useful Links

Go Kingston
www.kingston.gov.uk/browse/leisure/go_kingston_2012.htm

London 2012
www.london2012.com