THOUSANDS of free tickets are up for grabs tomorrow for Oxford’s Olympic Torch Relay celebration at South Park.

The Olympic Flame has already started its journey along the streets of the UK and will come to Oxford on Monday, July 9.

People from across the city will be able to welcome the Olympic Torch as it is carried through the streets to finish its journey at the Headington Hill park for the afternoon and evening celebrations.

Rock band Young Guns and Britain’s Got Talent dance act Twist & Pulse will perform, and the show includes The Tree of Light, bringing together 850 performers, including singers and dancers from across Oxfordshire.

South Park opens at 3.30pm, and city council leader Bob Price said up to 20,000 free tickets would be available from tomorrow.

He said: “It will be a fantastic spectacle, so we want as many people as possible from Oxford to come along.

“There will be up to 20,000 free tickets and I’m hoping the weather is going to be good.

“If people can’t get a ticket they can show their support by lining the streets to see the Torch come through.”

Mr Price added: “Having the Olympic Torch in Oxford will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so people should get involved.

“The torch will be carried through Blackbird Leys, along Cowley Road and through St Clement’s, before arriving at South Park for the evening events.

“We want to salute the dedication of sports people all over the world, and the courage of Paralympians who have had to battle against adversity to reach these Games.

“I would like to encourage everyone to line the streets to welcome the torch-bearers to the city.”

The celebration has been organised by the city council and the Children’s International Arts Organisation (CIAO).

There will also be performances from The Playhouse theatre, local act Under Construction, folk musicians, Anjali Dance Company and Oxford County Youth Band.

There will also be sport activities and demonstrations of trampolining and tennis.

Last month, traders who sell food complained regulations enforced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) meant they would have to cover up their branding until 7.30pm at the park.

According to the rules, anyone with a stall at the event on July 9 will have to cover up any names or branding promoting their product.

The following day, the Olympic Torch will visit towns in southern Oxfordshire, including Abingdon and Wallingford.

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “The tickets are free for this event – there is no admin fee or charge for the tickets.”

l To get free tickets for the South Park event, visit ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 844 0444.

Tickets are only available for residents with Oxford City postcodes and are limited to four per household.