A whole city celebration welcoming the Olympic Torch to the streets of Norwich will be held on July 4 and 5.

The Olympic Torch will be welcomed by magical mechanical boats, bands and performers.

Trees along the route will be dressed in Olympic colours, the route will be lined with people cheering and waving flags, giant bunting will be hung from City Hall and banners will be draped from lamp posts.

The city then has a jam-packed programme, late into the evening, as the torch makes an overnight stop in Norwich. This will include the Olympic stage show, street acts and a spectacular 3D building projection.

The Olympic Torch will then be lit on Thursday on the battlements of Norwich Castle as the five Olympic colours are trailed down the walls by abseilers.

Welcomed by the sound of the bells ringing, a torchbearer will run through Norwich Cathedral grounds to River Wensum.

The Flame will be rowed across the river at Pulls Ferry in a decorated old-style skiff, escorted by Norwich clubs with blades held aloft.

A small flotilla of canoes and boats will follow the flame to Bishop Bridge as it travels along Riverside leaving Norwich via Ketts Hill and St Williams Way.

Helen Selleck, cultural and events manager, said: 'We are really delighted Norwich was chosen to be a destination for the Torch and evening celebration.

'So many people have worked so hard for this event, from the community and art organisations, and it's going to be a wonderful experience for everyone.'

Olympic Torch Relay stage show

People are being urged to get their place in Chapelfield Gardens early for the Olympic Torch Relay stage show or to watch it live on the outdoor screen at The Forum.

The show begins at 5pm with a performance of The Pulse, followed by up-and-coming band Morning Parade, acrobats and dancers, footage of the Olympic Torch Relay and a digital screen show.

The last Torchbearer will light the Olympic cauldron on the stage and Pulse's musicians and performers will end this fantastic show. Celebrations then continue in the city centre.

The Pulse

A feast of rhythm, movement and visual impact starring athletes, dancers, performers and musicians. Produced by The Garage Trust in partnership with Norwich and Norfolk Community Arts (Norca).

People from across Norfolk were invited to take part and selected on the basis of an 'X-Factor' style audition. These have been fashioned into two 10-minute pieces by Artistic Director Aaron Sillis and Musical Director Marcus Patteson, bringing together talented people of all ages into two performances to welcome the Torch to Norwich and celebrate the Olympic spirit.

Carrie Mansfield, project manager, said: 'The Pulse is such an exciting project with performers, sports people and musicians from across Norfolk creating fresh new work to celebrate the Olympics.

'The commitment and enthusiasm from the performers taking part in this opportunity - alongside the support from families, organisations and artists - has been inspiring.'