Then on Sunday the Synergy event at Whitlingham Broad, organised by Norfolk County Council, drew huge crowds of people to see demonstrations of very extreme skateboarding, arts, crafts, sports, all sorts of activities. There were thousands of people who saw aerial performances, listened to music and tried martial arts or even got into boats on the water.
At both events there were community stages with young people putting on their own performances, trying sports or martial arts, and the promotion of opportunities to get involved in culture and sport. It was hugely inspiring to see.
This is all before we launch the Cultural Olympiad this weekend. From slam nights to brass bands playing 'faster, stronger, louder', huge commissioned light shows with DJ accompaniment, and a whole range of sport and cultural taster events across the East of England from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 September. Get more information on the listings
The Cultural Olympiad is designed to celebrate Olympic and Paralympic values in the cultural field and is inspired by the founder of the modern Olympic movement, Pierre de Coubertin’s idea of a marriage of sport and the arts.
The Cultural Olympiad is a four-year programme that will highlight the UK’s diversity by using both culture and sport to create works and events that will bring people and places together, encourage audiences to take part, involve and inspire young people, welcome the world to the 2012 Games and create a lasting legacy.
We are looking forward to celebrating this marriage of culture and sport in the East of England over the next four years. This has certainly been a triumphant start.
