Hylands Park in Chelmsford to host 2012 Olympic torch

Hylands House will overlook the only overnight torch stop in Essex

The venue for the Essex overnight stop of the 2012 Olympic torch relay has been revealed.

Hylands Park in Chelmsford will host the arrival of the torch on 6 July 2012 as it tours the UK for 70 days ahead of the London games.

Between 10,000 and 15,000 people are expected to attend the event at the 574 acre (232 hectare) park.

In May, Chelmsford was named as one of 66 locations that will host evening celebrations on the route.

A "community celebration" will be held during the afternoon before the torch arrives in the evening.

'Spectacular performance'

The event will conclude with the finale of a cultural Olympiad event called Sparks Will Fly, which is being put together by artists and groups from across Essex.

Councillor Ray Ride, cabinet member for leisure and culture at Chelmsford Borough Council, said: "I am very proud that Chelmsford has been chosen for this memorable occasion.

"We are sure that all those who attend will really embrace the spectacular performance we are planning."

He added more information on the event will be announced over the coming months.

Hylands Park is used to staging large events, having been the home to the V Festival since 1996 and the World Scout Jamboree in 2007.

The torch relay will begin at Land's End, in Cornwall, on 19 May before heading through towns and cities across the UK.

A total of 8,000 people will each carry the torch for about 300m.

Its arrival at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford will mark the start of the Games. The London 2012 organisers hope the flame will come within one hour of 95% of the UK population.

Details of the route and other stops in Essex have yet to be announced.