Homecoming Parade For London 2012

Thousands are expected to line Plymouth's streets this evening as the city hosts a homecoming celebration for its London 2012 athletes and Games Makers. 

Diving star Tom Daley, who won a bronze medal in the 10-metre individual men's platform event and 15-year-old swimmer Ruta Meilutyte, who won gold in the 100-metre women's breaststroke, will be among athletes taking part in the event. 

Others confirmed include: 

  • Diver Tonia Couch 
  • Diver Sarah Barrow 
  • Swimmer Antony James 
  • Swimmer Jamila Lunkuse 
  • Swimmer Jade Howard 
  • Fencer Corinna Lawrence 
  • Wheelchair basketball player Judith Hamer 
  • Paralympic table tennis player David Wetherill 
  • Diving coach Andy Banks 
  • Swimming coach Jon Rudd 

The homecoming celebration will include an open top bus parade and a stage event in the city centre, as well as a civic reception. 

The bus parade will start from Plymouth College, at around 5.15pm. 

It will head into the city centre via 

  • Peverell Park Road 
  • Outland Road 
  • the Plymouth Life Centre 
  • Alma Road 
  • Pennycomequick Roundabout 
  • North Cross Roundabout 
  • Cobourg Street 
  • Charles Street 
  • Charles Cross Roundabout 
  • Exeter Street viaduct (above Bretonside) before arriving at the top of Royal Parade at around 5.45pm. 

At this point London 2012 Games Makers from Plymouth are invited to join the parade in their uniforms and walk behind the bus as it travels down the Civic Centre side of Royal Parade. 

The bus will then turn left at Derry's Cross and head along Princess Way and Princess Street before stopping on Armada Way, outside the Plymouth Guildhall, at around 6pm. 

Please bear in mind that all times are approximate and for general guidance only. Crowds are being invited to gather in Guildhall Square and on the piazza from around 5.30pm so they can cheer on the athletes and Games Makers and see them take to the stage. 

The live interviews will be relayed to the Big Screen, where highlights of the athletes Olympic and Paralympic performances will also be shown. 

Following the stage event the athletes and a small group of Games Makers will attend a civic reception at the Council House, hosted by the Lord Mayor. 

City centre car parks will be open but are expected to be extremely busy and spectators are strongly encouraged to use local bus services to get to the event. 

First Devon and Cornwall is extending its park and ride service for the event to 7.15pm. 

Four extra services will leave Mayflower Street (PR1) and shelter B1 on Exeter Street Viaduct (PR2) at 6.42pm, 6.54pm, 7.06pm and 7.15pm. No buses will be serving Royal Parade between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. 

A full list of city centre car parks is available at www.plymouth.gov.uk/carparks For bus times and information visit www.travelinesw.com or call 0871 200 2233. 

Motorists are advised that Armada Way will be closed between Princess Street and the Guildhall car park from 7am to 9pm and the whole of Royal Parade will be closed from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. 

There will be a viewing area for disabled spectators in the Guildhall car park, which will open at 4pm. 

The nearest public toilets will be those in Armada Way, near the Sundial.