The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announces that the London 2012 Open Weekend, supported by tier one Oil and Gas partner BP, will this year take place on 23rd – 25th July 2010 and lead the nation into the two years to go celebration.
Local authorities, sporting and cultural organisations and venues across the UK are invited to register events from today.
Now in its third year, Open Weekend has already enabled over a million people to take part in sport, arts and culture events across the length and breadth of the UK. Open Weekend is part of the Cultural Olympiad and is one of several projects underway as part of the four year programme leading up to the 2012 Games aimed at adding to the excitement of the Games, but also to create a legacy that will include participation after the Games.
2010 will build on previous years, with London 2012 inviting event organisers to set a ‘challenge’ for the public to participate in as part of their offering.
Examples of challenges could be creating a new piece of art in 24 hours, with contributions from the public; hosting a back stage workshop; organising a sporting or cultural themed treasure hunt; opening up space for people to write, produce or perform their own compositions; or organising a mass aerobics session. Creating a challenge will be a key criteria for taking part in the Open Weekend Programme for 2010.
Organisers can register their events from today and find out more about Open Weekend via www.london2012.com/openweekend
BP, London 2012’s Official Oil and Gas Partner and Premier Partner of the Cultural Olympiad continues its support of Open Weekend, building on its heritage of supporting arts and culture for 30 years in the UK.
Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, commented: “The London 2012 Open Weekend is something we developed to help people see, touch, hear and take part in new things to spark interest and enthusiasm in the run up to the Games in 2012. This year we’re adding an exciting ‘challenge’ element, so I’m looking forward to seeing what event organisers come up with as we approach the two years to go countdown on 27 July this year.”
Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister, commented: "The success of the London 2012 Open Weekend continues to grow. Now it reaches its third year ambitions for getting people involved are bolder than ever.
“I encourage all organisations to get involved and take up this opportunity to challenge visitors and use the inspirational power of the Games to enable people, not just to observe, but interact with their surroundings in new and creative ways. Every year these events are a great way to get people across the nation inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games and this year, as we get ever closer to 2012, they are aiming to involve visitors in the arts, sport and culture in even more unique and exciting ways.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “As preparations for 2012 gather apace, the cultural programme is already underway. I hope Londoners and people across the UK will be inspired to try a new challenge. Whether your bent is cultural or more sporting, be inventive and make this year's Open Weekend a creative humdinger.”
Jayde Card, Acting Director UK Arts & Culture at BP, said: “Now in its third year, Open Weekend is going from strength to strength. This year’s event provides a great opportunity for both organisations and individuals to celebrate the ethos of the Olympic and Paralympic Games by challenging themselves to try something new. We’re delighted to support Open Weekend across the UK and look forward to seeing some excellent events inspired by London 2012.”
Ruth Mackenzie, LOCOG Director of Culture, said: “May I start by thanking BP for their outstanding partnership and I am sure that with their help, this year's Open Weekend will be the best so far. I’m sure everyone will have a lot of fun, this is a fantastic chance to open up new experiences to hundreds of thousands of people – inspired by London 2012.”
London 2012 will be hosting workshops for those interested in running events and who wish to find out more about the Open Weekend and to discuss ideas for the challenge element. Workshops will be held in:
Birmingham – 25 February 2010
Leeds – 16 March 2010
Bristol – 22 March 2010
Southampton – 26 March 2010
London – 13 April 2010
Discussions on programming for Open Weekend in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will be brokered locally.
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