In the Praça da Estação, the crowds are already buzzing with the first acts of the night. They are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Olympic torch and to witness the lighting of the pyre, before performances by Ludmilla and Jota Quest.

Four-year-old Julia Coutinho took extra care getting herself and her little companion ready to witness the torch relay today at the Praça da Liberdade in Belo Horizonte. "I came to see the torch with Belinha." she said about her little stuffed doggy.

Torch bearer Nina Dubois could not hide her joy as she carried the Olympic flame by the majestic palm trees of the Praça da Liberdade and the palace where the Government of Minas Gerais is headquartered.

"I am honoured to represent all the people of Minas in the Olympic torch relay! A historic and unforgettable moment." Paula Fernandes, singer and native of Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais

Rio 2016 will be the 10th edition of the Olympic Games that jornalist Marcos Uchoa will cover. "I think its the greatest event in the world. It is the only moment that we can all feel part of the planet.The Olympics is where you experience the biodiversity of the human race. We all feel this, from the journalists to the athletes alike."

Minas native, Terezinha Guilhermina, record-holder and fastest visually-impaired athlete in the world, could not be left out of the relay in Minas. She is one of Brazil's biggest winners at the Paralympics with two gold medals at London 2012.

Sheila Castro calls on the Brazilian fans to support the female volleyball team. The two-time champion carried the torch to the Mineirão stadium today said: "Cheer us on as we go after a third gold. It will be very difficult. And support Brazil, in all sports!"

Have you seen a happier torch bearer than presenter Sandra Annemberg? She was watched on by her husband and daughter who are just as excited about the Games as her. "It is full of intensity, more than 200 countries, the best athletes. We are over the moon to be involved in this."

Super excited, TV presenter Sandra Annenberg on her way to the relay with actress and ex-national volleyball player, Lica Oliveira. The Jornal Hoje presenter had fun interviewing other torch bearers on the bus.

Minas Gerais singer, Paula Fernandes concentrating during her quick lesson ahead of carrying the Olympic torch. The country singer from Sete Lagoas was even singing on her way to her leg of the relay. "I am here with the torch representing everyone from Minas."

One of the first stops for the torch relay in Belo Horizonte will be the Museum of Art of Pampulha. The building is one of the first works by modernist genius Oscar Niemeyer, with landscaping by another celebrated Brazilian, Roberto Burle Marx.