Calling all Olympic torchbearers

An appeal has gone out to all those who took part in the Olympic flame's epic journey around the UK to join the capital's Opening Ceremony Event in Festival Square next Friday from 6pm (July 27).

A torchbearer parade will take place at 8.30pm, following scene-setting performances from Jimi the Piper, the Ceilidhdonia ceilidh rock band and Pulse of the Place samba band.

The gathering crowds will also be treated to an exclusive performance by the Broomhouse Choir whose beautiful rendition of Flower of Scotland will be beamed to a global audience of around one billion people during the opening ceremony.

Festivals and Events Champion, Cllr Steve Cardownie, said: "Having already played a starring role in the spectacular Olympic torch relay, I'm sure our torchbearers will jump at the chance to take centre stage once again.

"We have a great programme lined up for Festival Square, with events for all the family to enjoy and to get involved in, and would encourage the people of Edinburgh to get behind the event and to celebrate the opening of the Olympic Games."

The evening, which kicks off at 6pm, will be compered by BBC Scotland news presenter Catriona Shearer and will culminate with live coverage of the Opening Ceremony on the Big Screen.

She said: "I'm delighted to be hosting this event. It's great to be a part of the Olympics in this way and it's a brilliant opportunity for us to connect with the Opening Ceremony of the Games.

"We have a great evening of entertainment lined up, so come along, join the party and get involved in the carnival atmosphere. Then you can say you took part in the Olympics... kind of!"

Big screen coverage of the Olympics gets underway tomorrow night (July 20) with the GB vs. Brazil football warm-up match.