The Olympic Park and stadium where the opening ceremony will take place

Free tickets to rehearsal of Olympic opening ceremony on offer to Barking and Dagenham residents

Sara Odeen-Isbister , Senior Reporter Monday, July 16, 2012
10:42 AM

Barking and Dagenham residents have the chance to watch a technical rehearsal of the much anticipated Olympic opening ceremony for free.

The council has a number of tickets to give away for the event at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford next Monday.

With a cast of thousands, dazzling choreography, sets and special effects, the opening ceremony next Friday will be one of the highlights of the London 2012 Games.

Tickets will be given to residents on a first come, first served basis, and there will be a maximum number of six tickets per household allowed. Tickets cannot be reserved in advance.

Council leader, Liam Smith, said: “This is yet another great opportunity for local residents who are benefiting from the fact we are an Olympic host borough with the Games on our doorstep.”

To pick up tickets visit either Barking Library between 9am and 9.30pm, or Dagenham Library between 9am and 7pm on this Thurday (July 19), and to report to the library desk on the first floor.

The offer is open to residents of Barking and Dagenham only, and proof of address must be provided at the time of collection.

A small number of wheelchair access tickets are also available. They need to be collected on Thursday between the same times, but can be booked in advance by calling 020 8227 2012.

As the event is a rehearsal, it will not accurately reflect the final content for the show and there may be regular pauses in performances. Everyone is asked to keep the contents of the show a secret so that the surprise is not ruined,

Spectators need to be in their seats by 7.30pm and are advised to the get the Olympic Park at 5pm when it opens.

For more information go to www.lbbd.gov.uk/2012 or www.london2012.com.