Stoke-on-Trent Opens Up For London 2012 Open Weekend

Four events, including a torchlight night, at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery form part of London’s 2012 Open Weekend (23 – 25 July 2010).

The events in the city are part of a series of activities across the country which will take place to celebrate the final two years until the London 2012 Olympic Games and to provide access to excellence in the arts, culture and sport.

London 2012 Open Weekend enables everyone to share in the excitement of the Games, be inspired, get involved, unleash creativity and challenge themselves to try something new. In Stoke-on-Trent visitors can challenge themselves to:

* Explore the Staffordshire Hoard by torchlight. Join staff at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery on Friday 23 July at 7pm until 8.30pm. Visitors will also experience traditional Saxon storytelling and riddling and have the opportunity to discuss the latest theories about the Hoard. The all ticket event costs £5 and includes a glass of wine or soft drink. Please book in advance as places are limited telephone 01782 232323.

* Walk get fit and have fun. The walk organised by the Federation of Stadium Communities takes place on Friday 23 July. Walkers should meet at 1pm outside Burslem Park Pavilion, Moorland Road. The activity is free.

* ‘Go for Gold’ by trying your hands at the new children’s trail on the theme of gold at the Potteries Museum & Art Galley. Throughout the weekend of 24 and 25 July youngsters can also meet a Saxon and on Saturday listen to storytelling. These activities are free.

* Discover and identify a variety of plants and animals on a Wildflower Meadow Safari at Park Hall Country Park. This fun family activity will introduce adventurers to some of the wildlife that can be found in and around the beautiful wildflower meadows at Park Hall. Meet at Park Hall Country Visitor Centre, off Hulme Road, Weston Coyney at 1.30pm. The event will last approximately two hours. To book your place on this free activity call the visitor centre on 01782 331889.

The Open Weekend, supported by BP, is an annual UK wide celebration counting down to the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It will include hundreds of events across the UK from sport to art, dance to exhibitions. Each event features a special challenge.

Councillor Hazel Lyth Cabinet member for Sport said:

All London 2012 Open Weekend events taking place in North Staffordshire are listed. Residents can join the celebrations across the region and plan their weekend at www.london2012.com/openweekend.