OLYMPIC fever is sweeping through Malvern as the town prepares to welcome the torch relay to its streets.

The finishing touches are being put in place for when the flame passes through the district on Friday, May 25, as part of a 70- day UK-wide relay in the run-up to the start of the London 2012 Games.

Malvern Hills District Council has been working closely with a range of individuals and organisations to ensure it is a day to remember.

Councillor Barbara Williams, portfolio holder for community and economic development at the council, said: “We are thrilled that the Olympic Torch Relay is coming through the district as it is very much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share in the Olympic spirit.

“We hope as many people as possible turn out to see the torch, take part and celebrate this historic moment.”

A thousand golden balloons will decorate the streets and entertainment will include stilt walkers, firebreathers and orchestras in Malvern Link, along with an orchestra and a mass participation Zumba session in Great Malvern.

Malvern Theatres will also be celebrating by serving an Olympic brunch and strawberries and cream to mark the day.

Meanwhile, local schools and youth group have also delved into the Olympic spirit, with Chase High School orchestra performing in Great Malvern and Upton Youth Band, performing in Malvern Link. Both have been busy rehearsing for the big day.

The torch enters the district at Powick at about 8.30am and continues along the A449 through Malvern Link, Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern Wells and out past British Camp into Herefordshire.

It will not always be carried by a torchbearer and will travel for some of the time in a car as it passes through areas where there is no room for spectators.

Journeys may be disrupted that morning and while there are no actual road closures scheduled, a rolling road block will be in operation managed by the Metropolitan Police.

Road users are advised to change their journey times or use an alternative route.

There will also be disruptions to bus services and more information is available from the Worcestershire County Council website.

Given the size of the event, there is also a range of practical and safety advice for spectators.

People are advised to watch the relay as near to their homes, school or place of works as possible to avoid unnecessary journeys and there will be no parking allowed on the torch route until it has passed through the district.

Local businesses located on the route have already been advised of this in order that they can make alternative arrangements for that morning.

Spectators should not run out in front or alongside the torch and the best way to view will be from the pavement, which is on the passenger door side of the convoy.

Detailed times, maps and a full list of all the entertainment planned are available here - malvernhills.gov.uk/olympictorchrelay.

􀁥 Holistic therapist Altair de Almeida is holding a special fund-raising event on Friday to celebrate the Olympic torch coming through Malvern.

The Biodanza event will raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice and is at 7.30pm at Northleigh School, St Peter’s Road.

For more, details call 01684 562528.