Rizzle Kicks performed at
the Olympic torch evening celebration at Leeds Castle. Picture:
Ruth Cuerden

by Jo Earle

Rizzle Kicks dazzled for the second time in Kent last night
at the Olympic torch evening celebration at Leeds
Castle.

Around 8,000 people packed the historic venue as the hip hop duo
performed after the flame arrived following a packed third day
touring the county.

For those without a ticket, a free community concert was held at
Maidstone's Mote Park at the same time - beaming the events at
the castle to a large screen.

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Thousands of people enjoy
the Olympic torch evening celebration at Leeds Castle. Video: Jo
Earle

Julia Chilcott, 55, from Maidstone, was the final
torchbearer of the day, which began in Deal.

She proudly held the torch aloft and waved her way
through the crowds before lighting the Olympic cauldron on
stage.

Julia, who was nominated by her husband for her work as a foster
carer in Kent for more than 24 years, said: "It was absolutely
amazing. It just went so quickly.

"I can’t believe I actually lit the cauldron - I want to do
it all again.

"It feels great to be holding my own torch; I’ll be keeping it
for posterity."

Julia Chilcott was the
final torchbearer at Leeds Castle - where Esme Lednor-Jones, eight,
and Olivia Lewis-Deane, 12, were among those celebrating. Pictures:
Ruth Cuerden

The rain held off for the whole evening, which came as a relief
for spectators.

The evening celebration kicked off at around 5pm and
included hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks, who performed at the first
overnight stop in Dover on Wednesday, as well as other
musical acts.

There was also a performance of The River Runs Through,
commissioned by Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council
and performed by local children and adults. It told the story of
Maidstone through history.

To top off the evening there was a fly-past of historic aircraft
over the castle to mark the end of the 62nd day of the torch relay,
which saw 136 torchbearers run through the county - passing dozens
of villages and towns.

Were you at the Leeds Castle evening celebration? Let us know what you thought by posting your comments below.