WITH the symbolic hand-over of the Olympic flag at the end of the Beijing Games, the countdown to London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has begun and Cambridgeshire is set to light up to celebrate. East Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshir

WITH the symbolic hand-over of the Olympic flag at the end of the Beijing Games, the countdown to London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has begun and Cambridgeshire is set to light up to celebrate.

East Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council will be co-hosting the official launch of the Cultural Olympiad for Cambridgeshire at Ely Cathedral on September 26.

The launch event will promote the key theme of the Olympiad 'lighting up' lives. This will involve lighting the Octagon tower at the cathedral in the official London 2012 colours over the weekend,

Leading the local celebrations, ADeC (Arts Development In East Cambridgeshire) has organised free family workshops to create decorative Chinese lanterns and boats on Saturday, from 2pm - 4pm.

On Sunday evening at 6pm, a procession led by the City of Ely Waits musical group will leave from the cathedral entrance and proceed through Cherry Hill to Jubilee Gardens, where a performance by Ely Sinfonia will be held before the launch of lights in boats onto the river.

Cllr Peter Cresswell, chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "The official launch of the Cultural Olympiad is going to be a very special event. The cathedral is an iconic landmark of the region and it is fitting that it should lead the county celebrations. London 2012 will not only be a spectacular sporting event, it will also mark the vitality and diversity of Great Britain through the Cultural Olympiad. We are about to embark on an exciting time for sport, the arts and heritage over the next four years and the council is extremely committeed to celebrate and develop more activities and events to promote the district's rich and diverse cultural sector."

Councillor Tony Orgee, chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "London 2012 will be a special time for the whole of the country. Not only will it be our chance to celebrate our sporting prestige, it will mark the opportunity to remind the world of our great history and cultural identity. The next four years see many more exciting events leading up to the Olympics themselves. I am sure that everyone is looking forward with great anticipation to London 2012."

Jane Wilson, director of ADeC who are organising the 'lighting up' event, said: "Culture plays an important role in the life of the local community and we hope the launch of the Cultural Olympiad will offer an excellent opportunity to inspire and involve the people of East Cambridgeshire. We look to see as many people as possible enjoying our torch lit procession on September 28.

Representatives from across the cultural, business and sports sectors will attend this special event that will showcase local talent and launch plans to maximise the benefits of London 2012 across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.