Discovering Places will use the power of the Games to inspire communities across the UK to celebrate the hidden gems on their doorstep, from historic castles to contemporary townscapes, woodland trails and local wildlife. Over the launch weekend of 23-25 July 2010, more than 100 exciting, free Discovering Places events will take place throughout the entire UK. Most of the events will be run on a voluntary basis and all will be free to anyone interested in discovering more about their local environment.
Loyd Grossman & Jonathan Edwards launch London 2012 Cultural Olympiad Discovering Palaces campaign at the Houses of Parliament © David Poultney, LOCOG
Some of the exciting Discovering Places events planned across the country include guided walks, a Mad Hatterz Tea Party, a timed Mini-Bio Blitz, Geo Caching, archaeological excavations, mass picnics, treasure hunts, wildlife exploration and a night time bat detection!
Find out what events are happening in your area:
East of England
North East
South West
East Midlands
North West
West Midlands
London
South East
Yorkshire and the Humber
Minister for Culture, Ed Vaizey said: ‘With just two years to go until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Cultural Olympiad is already show-casing the diversity of culture the UK has to offer.
‘Nowhere is this more marked than in the sheer range of our built, natural and historic environments. From the world famous to the unfamiliar, palaces to pubs and from castles to church crypts, Discovering Places will tell this country’s story through our surroundings – our wealth of buildings of striking appearance and those with a fascinating tale to tell, in a variety of unrivalled landscapes.
‘I hope that local people and visitors alike will enjoy this opportunity to explore some of the most attractive and unique locations in the UK.’
Download full press release.
