FIELDS which lie in the shadows of one of the region’s historic treasures have been chosen to host a major community celebration when the iconic Olympic torch arrives in a Northumberland market town next summer.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the open air party in The Pastures below Alnwick Castle on the evening of June 14, when the torch makes an overnight stop in the town on its journey through the North East en route to the opening ceremony of the London Games.

The programme of entertainment is still being worked out, but organisers of the two-hour free show promise a “fantastic spectacle”, including local talent taking to a stage for live performances.

The event will culminate with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron in The Pastures, which has been used to stage many high-profile music and charity events in the past.

The venue has been chosen by the London 2012 Organising Committee and over recent months Northumberland County Council has been working with the committee, and the Olympic Torch Relay partners Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, to coordinate the event in June.

Yesterday the celebration was officially announced and launched by the Duchess of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle, where children from the town’s St Michael’s First School gave a sports demonstration on the courtyard green. Alnwick is one of 66 cities and towns across the UK that will be holding evening celebrations as the Olympic flame spreads the excitement of the games ahead of the opening ceremony.

Yesterday Lord Coe, who chairs the London games organising committee, said: “We have no doubt that Northumberland County Council will help to stage a celebration that captures the excitement, passion and spirit of the Olympic torch relay as it comes to rest at Alnwick. The event will provide the perfect opportunity to invite the local community to welcome the Olympic flame and shine a light on the culture and heritage of the area.”