Two more sets of giant Olympic Rings revealed in Edinburgh and Newcastle

13 June 2012

Two more sets of giant Olympic Rings have today been confirmed for Edinburgh and Newcastle and Gateshead, coinciding with the Olympic Flame's journey in Scotland and the North East of England.Edinburgh's Olympic Rings have been launched on The Mound, while the largest set of Rings so far are being installed on the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle and Gates head.Giant sets of Olympic Rings are being installed at iconic sites across the United Kingdom to excite and inspire people ahead of the Games and to demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world.

Edinburgh's Olympic Rings

Measuring 18 meters by 8 metres, Edinburgh's aluminium Rings are coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red to represent the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.

They have been installed in time for the city’s celebrations when the Olympic Torch Relay visits this week and will be officially launched at a special event taking place at the National Gallery.  

Newcastle and Gateshead's Olympic Rings

The Newcastle and Gateshead Rings will be installed on the iconic Tyne Bridge, one of the nation's most recognisable panoramas. At approximately 25m wide by 12m high, they are the largest set of metal Olympic Rings in the UK so far. 

The Rings will officially be launched today ready to provide a spectacular backdrop to the arrival of the Olympic Flame. A celebratory Torch Relay event will take place in Newcastle on 15 June and will see thousands of people joining in with the celebrations as the Flame passes through Newcastle and Gateshead, in view of the Rings, that evening.

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe said: 'The Olympic Rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world. To athletes they represent the culmination of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport.’