Show-stopping entertainment at progressive South West venue

Last night, Wednesday 23rd May 2012, saw Cheltenham Racecourse welcome the Olympic torch during a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The free celebration saw almost 25,000 visitors descend on the renowned sporting venue, where for the first time people were allowed on the course itself. The official celebration of the Olympic Torch Relay featured special guest Labrinth who performed his chart hits including ‘Let the Sun Shine’ and ‘Earthquake’.

The iconic flame was carried up the finishing straight by the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips, who rode her horse Toytown. Together Zara and Toytown were World Equestrian Champions in 2006.  She then lit a cauldron on the main stage to a rapturous reception from the huge crowd. Last night was the first time the Olympic torch has been in royal hands since the start of the torch relay around the UK on Saturday.

The official celebration show also included a performance by Twist & Pulse, who were runners up in Britain’s Got Talent in 2010, as well as Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, Cheltenham Youth Choir and Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum.

The landmark venue, home to the legendary Cheltenham Festival and part of Jockey Club Venues, was the perfect setting to host the huge evening celebration reinforcing the South West’s sporting fever ahead of the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games this summer. Launching its ‘LIVE’ division in 2011, the progressive venue is proving to be a popular crowd pleaser. With 300 acres available for outside events, 10,000 free car parking spaces and a host of flexible event spaces including The Centaur, a 2,250 seated auditorium with state-of-the-art lighting and sound capabilities, the venue represents the de facto choice for concert and comedy promoters in the South West.

Cheltenham Racecourse’s exciting line-up for 2012, including the Greenbelt and Wychwood festivals and a live performance from Jools Holland, is testament to the venue’s changing face of events.

Edward Gillespie, Managing Director of Cheltenham Racecourse, said “Everybody worked really hard on last night’s event which was a terrific success. The Olympics is definitely bringing people together and this was evident in the crowds of excited people at the Racecourse. It was an honour for us to play host to this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

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Notes to editors

·         Cheltenham Racecourse has a range of suites available for hire across the venue from small meeting rooms to an auditorium, conference suites and balconies.

·         The racecourse offers free Wi-fi and technical and catering facilities on-site.

·         With close links to major road and rail links the venue is easily accessible from all directions.

·         Cheltenham Racecourse LIVE – the brand surrounding the racecourse’s live comedy and concert nights runs over 500 events a year.

·         Website: http://www.cheltenham.co.uk/conference-and-events/

·         Twitter:- @CRVenue_Events

·         Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH

·         Tel: 01242 539 538