OLYMPIC fever will light up Swindon when the torch passes through the town centre’s designated focal point for the London 2012 Games.

Wharf Green, one of 22 Live Sites nationally which will show all the action from the capital, will be the setting for the historic moment.

The torch was already due to pass through the town centre, but Swindon Council has now revealed it will visit what promises to be a hive of Olympic-themed activity. The spectator area, near the Brunel Shopping Centre, will show the action on its giant screen and will have 24-hour seating, an activity area with grass to try Olympic sports, information points about where to take part in activities locally and areas serving food and drink.

Thousands are expected to line the streets on May 23 to watch history in the making as the flame passes through the town. The relay will visit Chiseldon, Wroughton and Royal Wootton Bassett on its way from Bristol, before heading to the centre of Swindon.

A variety of displays will take place on the day, including a procession through the town which will finish in Wharf Green.

Gold will be the theme of the occasion, with Olympic fans encouraged to deck themselves out from head to toe in the colour.

Coun Garry Perkins, deputy leader of Swindon Council and cabinet member for regeneration and culture, said: “I am delighted the Olympic torch will be coming to Wharf Green as part of the relay.

“Although we can’t reveal too many details at this stage, I can confirm we will be putting on a fantastic event for the people of Swindon.

“We are fortunate to have one of the country’s 22 Live sites and from May 1 the big screen will really start to take on an Olympic feel.”

The town will also have a major role to play elsewhere in the route as 47-year-old Sue O’Connell, of Liden, and 35-year-old Damien Davis, of Cricklade, were chosen out of 6,000 people to carry the torch.

Damien will run through Reading and Salisbury, while Sue is also expected to be allocated a route outside Swindon.

Damien said: “I’m delighted that the torch will pass through the town centre and Wharf Green. Even though it is not my leg of the relay, it is a fantastic opportunity for the whole town to embrace sport through various activities and events.”

A council spokesman said it was under strict guidelines from organising committee LOCOG not to reveal exactly what is happening on the day, but more details would be provided soon.