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.”

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