As London Mayor Boris Johnson receives the Olympic flag on Sunday to mark the end of the Bejing Games, the Royal Borough and other local authorities around the country will take part in simultaneous flag-raising celebrations to mark London’s forthcoming role as hosts of the 2012 Games.

At exactly 3.45pm – and the end of the closing ceremony in Bejing – Deputy Mayor Cllr Catherine Bursnall will raise a specially-commissioned handover flag – bearing the Olympic logo on a Union Jack background – in Alexandra Gardens, alongside the Windsor Wheel.

Free ride on the Royal Windsor Wheel

Organisers of the celebration event – Windsor and Eton Town Partnership, the Royal Borough, Windsor Contemporary Arts Fair and PWR (organisers of the Windsor Wheel) – are inviting families to get in the party spirit by bringing picnics and taking part in special flag-making workshops between 2 and 4pm. All those taking part will qualify for a free ride on the Royal Windsor Wheel that day.

Cllr Colin Rayner, chairman of the Windsor and Eton partnership, said this week: “Our sportsmen and women are doing very well in the Olympics and I believe that Royal Borough residents are delighted that Great Britain is doing so well in the medal stakes.

“Sunday’s flag-raising event will be a great way for us here in the Royal Borough to celebrate both the successes of these Games and the prospect of more fantastic sporting events in London and Dorney Lake in 2012.

“And bank holiday weekend is traditionally a time of events like the Littlewick Show, festivals and carnivals such as Notting Hill, as well as many major sporting events – so what better time to celebrate our own forthcoming role as hosts at the next Olympics.

“I hope that as many people as possible will come down to Alexandra Gardens to help celebrate what will be a unique ceremony linking every part of the UK. Let’s hope the sun will shine!”

The handover flag will remain in Alexandra Gardens until Sunday evening and will then fly above the Town Hall and then the Guildhall until September 30.

For further information contact Windsor and Eton town manager Paul Roach on 01753 743921.