6 June 2012 Last updated at 14:45 ET

London 2012: York racecourse Olympic torch event ticket only

Celebrations to mark the arrival of the Olympic torch will feature singer Katy B

Olympic torch celebrations at York racecourse, featuring singer Katy B, will be a ticket-only event.

The City of York Council said the decision would enable it to monitor attendance numbers and ensure the safety of those who attend on 19 June.

Free tickets will be available from four of the city's libraries and visitor information centres.

The torch arrives in North Yorkshire on 18 June and will stay overnight in York on 19 June.

'Incredible response'

The Labour-run council said the decision had been made following discussions with racecourse officials, North Yorkshire Police and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog).

Councillor Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: "We've seen an incredible response to the Olympic torch celebrations and this is testament both to the special event it is and the community spirit here in York."

She added that making it a ticketed occasion would allow more people to attend and share the excitement.

The event at York's Knavesmire begins at 14:30 BST with sports demonstrations and interactive stands.

Tickets will also allow access to staged events later in the day which will include the arrival of the Olympic torch on horseback and the lighting of a celebration cauldron.

The tickets will be available from 14:00 BST on Friday 8 June at the Visit York Visitor Information Centre in the city centre, York Explore Library Learning Centre in Library Square, Acomb Explore on Front Street, and Tang Hall Library.