A CHALLENGE is being thrown down to people and groups to compete for a place in a summer event showcasing Norwich's fantastic cultural offer. The Cultural Olympiad Weekend will take place on July 24 and 25 in front of the Big Screen at Chapelfield Shopping Centre and feature everything from interactive games and sports taster sessions to community theatre and dance.

A CHALLENGE is being thrown down to people and groups to compete for a place in a summer event showcasing Norwich's fantastic cultural offer.

The Cultural Olympiad Weekend will take place on July 24 and 25 in front of the Big Screen at Chapelfield Shopping Centre and feature everything from interactive games and sports taster sessions to community theatre and dance.

Norwich City Council wants local, not-for-profit organisations and individuals to apply to take part in the event, which is part of a programme of activities being held in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Helen Selleck, events manager for Norwich City Council, says: “We are really excited about seeing what talent is out there and what ideas people have for this fun weekend.

“We want to hear from sports clubs, arts groups and disabled organisations, as well as individuals who can perform or provide activities for people to join in.”

The Norwich Big Screen at Chapelfield Plain is one of 19 across the UK which will broadcast the 2012 London Olympic Games and regularly show major national events such as Wimbledon, Last Night of the Proms and Glastonbury.

It is connected to the BBC's global broadcast network and offers round-the-clock news, information and entertainment, as well as local content from community groups and organisations.

Archive footage of the way we used to live in Norfolk is being shown on Wednesdays from 6pm to 6.30pm and Saturdays from 12pm to 12.30pm through to the end of February.

Coverage of the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Games from Vancouver in Canada will be screened from February 5 to February 28.

The Big Screen is a partnership between LOCOG (the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games), Norwich City Council, the BBC and Chapelfield.

To download an application form for the Cultural Olympiad Weekend, visit www.norwich.gov.uk and click on the link on the homepage, or you can e-mail events@norwich.gov.uk

For more information, contact Richard Balls on 01603 212991 or e-mail richardballs@norwich.gov.