A MEDLEY of dance, samba and gymnastics will welcome the Olympic Torch into Swindon town centre next month.

The relay’s eagerly-awaited visit to Wharf Green, site of the Big Screen, will be celebrated with an action-packed schedule of events.

The run-down for the May 23 extravaganza shows that aerial artists will perform immediately before the torch reaches the spot.

A samba band will play after it leaves on its way to London and a schools’ parade will make its way out.

Among the local groups gearing up for the day is Swindon Dance, which is putting together a piece called Going for Gold.

Emma Langhorne, dance education and development manager, said: “Swindon Dance is delighted to be involved in the very exciting torch relay event.

“We have a group of talented dancers aged between 14 and 18 who will be Going for Gold with their new show-stopping urban dance piece. This will be choreographed by nationally renowned artist Kwesi Johnson.”

The day will have extra resonance for Esprit Gymnas-tics as one of their members, Jade Faulkner, will be competing at the Games in group rhythmic gymnastics.

The school’s chairman Mark Howes said: “Our head of display Cherie Skeats has choreographed an Olympic-style gymnastics-based piece specifically for the event.

“It’s a great honour for us and the day will provide a platform for some of the hugely talented children who practice gymnastics in Swindon.

“Obviously we have got one of our own gymnasts competing at the Games and our head coach, Deb Howes, will be one of the officials working at the gymnastics events in Wembley Arena.

“With strong links to the Olympics what we are striving to achieve is to give the town a look at what we do.

“It should be a great event.”

The day will kick off with a wheelchair basketball exhibition before the schools parade and samba band leave the Cenotaph and make their way to Wharf Green.

A compere and VIP speaker, both to be confirmed, will address the crowd before the procession reaches the site.

Swindon Fencing Club will also take part in the day.

President Neil Bromley said: “We will be giving a display of fencing and allowing people to have a go.”

Wharf Green is one of 22 Live Sites nationally which will show all the action live from the capital.

A full run-down will feature in the Adver closer to the time.