London 2012 Open Weekend begins

London 2012 Open Weekend is about enabling access to excellence in the arts, culture and sport and celebrating three years to go until the London 2012 Olympic Games. The number of events exceeds last year's total of 655 events.

Events span all forms of arts, culture and sport, including opportunities to train with experts, see previously hidden treasures and go behind the scenes of arts and sporting venues.

London 2012 Open Weekend enables everyone to share in the excitement of the Games, be inspired, get involved, unleash creativity and try something new. The events provide a curtain raiser to the annual countdown celebrations to the Games – the three years to go mark being celebrated on Monday 27 July 2009.

London 2012 Open Weekend, created by London 2012, is part of the Cultural Olympiad and supported by BP, the Premier Partner of the Cultural Olympiad.

Fifty-seven events taking place as part of London 2012 Open Weekend are recognised with the London 2012 Inspire Mark. The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises exceptional mass participation projects and events inspired by London 2012 and contributing to its wider legacy. 

The Inspire programme and Open Weekend are examples of how London 2012 is enabling people and communities right across the UK to benefit from the Games, encouraging participation and recognising the contribution people, places and projects are making to the success of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.