Fitzwilliam welcomes top British gymnast for London 2012 Open Weekend launch

The Fitzwilliam yesterday provided the venue for British gymnast and Olympic Gold medallist Louis Smith to unveil the East of England programme for the London 2012 Open Weekend 2010.

Louis Smith with atraditional Chineselion

The Open Weekend, which takes place in a month's time (23-26 July), celebrates the two-year countdown to the arrival of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the UK. The new 'challenge' theme across sport, art and culture for the Open Weekend 2010 will enable people up and down the UK to actively celebrate the two year countdown to the Games.

Louis Smith, who himself was born in Peterborough, was joined by representatives from the East of England's London 2012 Games planning committee - as well as dancers in a traditional Chinese lion costume - to introduce the diverse programme of events planned around the East of England for the Open Weekend. These include the Fitzwilliam's own Outdoor Festival of Chinese Culture planned for 24 July 2010, a day-long celebration of Chinese culture offering music, art, food and more, in the setting of the Museum's beautiful grounds.

Louis Smith with Katie Huane, Regional Project Manager and Liz Hughes, Creative Programmer

• East of England, London 2012Games

Liz Hughes, Creative Programmer, East of England London 2012 said: "The Fitzwilliam has embraced the values of the Cultural Olympiad in the development of the Outdoor Festival of Chinese Culture for Open Weekend. Inspired by young people, the event will offer activities for all the family. Here and across the UK we are challenging people to try something new to mark the two year countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to the UK."

22 June 2010