Cambridge has been selected as one of the locations to host the Olympic flame on its 70-day tour of the UK next year.

The torch relay is due to start on 18 May 2012, when the flame will arrive in the UK after being lit by the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece.

Cambridge will host the Olympic torch as part of the city council's Big Weekend celebrations on Saturday, 7 July. The three-day annual event, which includes free music, sports and cultural entertainment, will have an Olympic theme in 2012.

The city will join 65 other UK destinations in staging an evening celebration showcasing the unique Olympic sporting and cultural heritage of the local area, with the Olympic flame providing the focal point of the festivities.

The flame will be carried across the country by 8,000 inspirational torchbearers who have been nominated by members of the public and selected by the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

Organisers have planned the 8,000-mile route to ensure that the torch will come within a one-hour journey time for 95% of the population.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: "We are thrilled that Cambridge has agreed to host the Olympic flame on its journey right across the UK.

“The Olympic flame will shine a light right across the city and Cambridgeshire, celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of the county.

“We have no doubt that the welcome Cambridgeshire will provide will demonstrate how the spirit of the Olympic Games is reaching out across the UK and excitement builds as the start of the 2012 Games draws closer."

Councillor Sian Reid, leader of Cambridge City Council, added: "The city's rich history of sporting and cultural excellence makes it the perfect location for a memorable Olympic celebration.

"Cambridge already offers a wonderful array of sporting and cultural activities. Now we have the chance to harness the spirit of the Olympics to encourage even more people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities to get involved from across the region."

A full list of the locations that the Olympic torch will pass through will be released next year.