2.5k Extra Tickets For Evening Celebration

A further 2,500 free tickets for Bournemouth's Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration have been made available to residents in BH postcodes.

The tickets will be issued via an online ballot registration on the BIC website (www.bhlivetickets.co.uk) running on Thursday 5 July.

Residents have from 7am to midnight on that day to register their interest in getting up to four tickets. Applicants will be selected at random and notified by email on Monday 9 July if they have been successful.

Sue Bickler, who chairs the Olympic Task Force, said:

"It was clear from the initial ticket distribution that there was huge demand and interest in this free family event and that a lot of people were disappointed not to get tickets.

"We have responded by reviewing the site and event plan and have been able to increase the numbers we allow in by a further 2,500 people and still deliver a safe and enjoyable experience for all those attending.

"There are a number of terms and conditions but we are pleased to be able to offer a further chance for people to come down and celebrate this once in a lifetime experience on the beach."

Residents who have already obtained tickets will not be allowed to apply. Postcodes of existing ticket holders will be checked against those entering the ballot. Residents are also encouraged to hand back any tickets no longer wanted or needed so they can be reallocated.

Unfortunately no further Accessible Viewing tickets for people with mobility impairment are available in the ballot due to limited space on the accessible viewing platform. A hearing loop will be located near the front of the stage in the main arena and an interpreter/signer will be present on stage.

Only those who are successful in the ballot will receive a confirmation email on Monday 9 July. Unsuccessful entrants will not be notified.

Successful entrants must make arrangements for their tickets to be collected in person either by themselves or through a nominee, at the BIC ticket office by 8.30pm Wednesday 11 July before the box office closes. Proof of address will be required at point of collection.

The Evening Celebration runs from 5.30pm to 8pm on Friday 13 July on Bournemouth Beach. Doors open 3pm, last entry 6.30pm.

The show will now cater for 12,500 people instead of the original 10,000 capacity.

Anyone who does not have a computer at home can use IT facilities in Bournemouth's libraries to register in the ballot.