Liverpool's two Cathedrals to give Olympic torch a harmonious welcome

Liverpool Cathedral bells

Liverpool's Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals are teaming up to give a harmonious welcome to the Olympic torch on Friday 1 June. As the flaming beacon moves along Hope Street, the two will take part in a carefully choreographed 'bell relay' to celebrate.

Signaling the approach of the torch at 5pm, the Metropolitan Cathedral's four bells will begin to ring. When the torch enters Hope Street itself at 5.16pm, the Anglican Cathedral bells will join in the ringing. As the torch reaches the end of the street at 5.20pm, the bells at the Metropolitan Cathedral will stop, 'passing on' to the bells at the Anglican Cathedral to ring while the torch proceeds down Upper Duke St.

The relay will culminate with Great George - the largest bell only usually rung for royalty or other high profile occasions - being 'fired' five times to denote the five Olympic rings.

To celebrate the arrival of the torch, the Cathedral's choristers will also sing in celebration.

The bells of Liverpool Cathedral are the heaviest and highest peal of bells in the world. The huge array of 13 bells weighing 17 tonnes (16.5 tons) surround the massive 2.9m (9' 6") diameter bourdon bell 'Great George' which, at 15 tonnes (14.5 tons), is bigger than Big Ben and second only to 'Great Paul' of St Paul's Cathedral in London. Great George cannot be swung, so hangs in one position and is struck with a hammer.

For more information, please see: www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk