The historic surroundings of Denbigh Castle will provide a scenic backdrop to an event being staged by four of the town’s schools to celebrate the Cultural Olympiad in Denbighshire.
Up to 200 pupils from Ysgol Frongoch, Ysgol Twm o’r Nant, Ysgol Heulfre and Denbigh High School have been busy working with the Denbighshire Arts in Schools service to put the finishing to three songs that will performed at the Castle.
The Cultural Olympiad is a four year programme of UK-wide events celebrating Britain’s arts and culture in the lead-up to the London 2012 Games in 2012. One of the programmes, being led by CADW, is the Cauldrons and Furnaces project. This involves communities working with artists and animateurs to create multi-media performances. The project involving Denbighshire communities is called Mantell.
At a separate event later in the day, Denbighshire County Council will be awarded the Inspire Mark. The Mark is awarded to non-commercial organisations that deliver projects and events that are genuinely inspired by the London 2012 Games.
Councillor Pauline Dobb, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for culture, said: “This event is a tremendous opportunity to inspire and engage our young people in the lead up to the Olympics in 2012 and it’s great that Denbighshire pupils are getting involved in a once in a lifetime event.
“The Cultural Olympiad is also a way of focussing attention on the wealth of arts, culture and history we have in Denbighshire and other parts of the country.
“We are also looking forward to being officially awarded the Inspire Mark. This recognises the contribution that the Council is making to raise awareness of the 2012 event”.
Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now – three years out from the start of the Games. I congratulate everyone involved in Mantell for securing the Inspire mark and wish you every success with your work.”
The Cultural Olympiad performance by Denbigh schools will take place at Denbigh Castle on Monday, 1 March at 11am. The Inspire Mark will be awarded to the Council at a presentation taking place at Denbigh Town Hall later in the day.
