At 8am on 27 July 2012, 'Work No.1197: All the bells in a country rung as quickly and as loudly as possible for three minutes' by Turner Prize-winning artist and musician Martin Creed will be performed throughout the UK, celebrating the first day of London 2012 and welcoming the 205 competing nations.

The nation is invited to ring thousands of bells at the same time for three minutes, whether schools bells, church bells, town hall bells, bicycle bells or door bells.

Artist Martin Creed said: ‘It’s by people and for people. On the morning of the opening of the Games it’s a massive signal that something is happening.'

To make this performance happen, the All the Bells team is encouraging those interested in ringing bells to sign up and get involved in the performance. Everyone who signs up to take part in the project will receive an exclusive Martin Creed ringtone, available from March 2012.

Ruth Mackenzie, Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival Director, said: 'The commission shows the Festival’s commitment to world-class artists and to the values of participation.

'Martin Creed’s wonderful idea gets everyone involved in the opening day of the Games – not just as an audience, but as an integral part of the work.'

To sign up to ring a bell, go to the All The Bells website

Visit the London 2012 Festival website

Read the full media release