Chester plans spectacular Olympic Torch send-off

Chester’s rowing clubs have planned a blockbuster welcome for the Olympic Torch, when it leaves the city on Wednesday 30th May.

Working alongside Cheshire West and the Chester Council; Grosvenor Rowing Club Chester, Royal Chester Rowing Club, Queens Park High School Rowing Club and Chester Canoe Club will send a flotilla of boats along the River Dee to herald the departure of the Olympic Flame.

The torch will begin its fairwell tour of Chester at 6.56am on Wednesday morning, starting from the centre of the historic Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge.

The start of the relay will be triggered by the flotilla, which will include examples of every type of boat that the rowing and canoe clubs own – including a Grosvenor RCC Explore Rowing double in the middle of the fleet – and feature rowers as young as 12.

The torch will then proceed along the bridge and through a guard of honour – formed of rowers and rowing blades – before pausing at the riverside for photos with the flotilla.

Wednesday’s event will be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for Chester – bringing together rowing and watersports clubs from across the city to mark the the historic relay.

Is your rowing club planning a special celebration to coincide with the Olympic Torch Relay? Send your news to [email protected].