9th February 2012

WEYMOUTH: Three day celebration on the beach to welcome start of Olympic sailing

By Harry Walton

A WEALTH of spectacular creative events is planned for Weymouth, Portland and the Jurassic Coast as part of celebrations for the Olympic Games.

The Maritime Mix London 2012 Cultural Olympiad by the Sea will offer a huge range of live attractions uniting individuals and communities with the borough at its heart.

The start of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing will be celebrated with a three-day mass celebration on Weymouth Beach.

This will include the Battle of the Winds from July 26th-28th, an epic outdoor theatrical performance from Cirque Bijou and Desperate Men.

Coastal Voices on July 27th will see community choirs present new musical compositions from John Surman, Sonia Slaney, John K Miles, Billy Bragg and Marc Yeats while The Welcome Songs on July 27th will have choirs singing Eliza McCarthy’s new musical composition.

Then Breathe on July 28th will turn the spotlight on international and national disabled artists presenting the concluding part of Battle for the Winds.

London 2012 south west creative programmer Richard Crowe said: “Maritime Mix London 2012 Cultural Olympiad by the Sea will allow us to showcase the diverse creative talent which exists in the South West and share this with everyone who decides to be at this once in a lifetime event. It really will complete the Olympic experience for the Weymouth and Portland community.

“Many members of the local community are involved in the events so it’s going to be a fantastic memory for them performing and being part of this ambitious programme. For those not directly involved there will be the joy of being a spectator to this huge creative celebration.

“There will be something for everyone to enjoy from live choral performances to multi-media arts festivals and the best thing is that 95 per cent of these events are free.

“This really is the year for Weymouth and Portland to celebrate the great creative talent that resides here.”

Weymouth and Portland special projects spokes-man Councillor Howard Legg said: “We are absolutely delighted that the programme of events in the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad for Dorset, Weymouth and Portland is one of the biggest in the country.

“It’s important to remember that the Olympics is not just about elite sport but that culture and community involvement is an integral part of the modern Games.

“Looking at the programme there is an exciting array of vibrant and colourful events which I'm sure will attract visitors to the area and be of great interest to residents too.

“It's also marvelous to see that Dorset, Weymouth and Portland, as well as hosting a world class sporting event, can stage great cultural events as well."

PICTURE 1: Billy Bragg

PICTURE 2: John K Miles

PICTURE 3: John Surman

PICTURE 4: Marc Yeats

PICTURE 5: Sonia Slaney