City residents are being encouraged to let the bells ring out for the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games as the UK welcomes the world¿s elite athletes.
Bells will be ringing out across the UK this Friday morning (July 27) to welcome in the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. And to celebrate the occasion Stoke-on-Trent residents are being urged to pick up their bells and join in with the celebrations.
The event, entitled All The Bells, is the brainchild of Turner Prize-winning artist and musician Martin Creed. He is inviting the nation to join him and ring every bell in the UK for three minutes between 8:12am and 8:15am on Friday July 27, 2012.
Martin’s work, No. 1197, is a piece specially commissioned as part of the London 2012 Festival. The London 2012 Festival has commissioned a nationwide performance of work No. 1197 to celebrate the first day of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
Councillor Mark Meredith, cabinet member for economic development, inward investment, culture, sport and leisure, said: “The Olympic Games are set to start at the end of this week and we want the city to get behind our athletes and cheer them on to victory. Having the Olympic Flame in Stoke-on-Trent at the end of May was a fantastic event for the whole city and we want people to keep up the excitement and enjoy the two weeks of elite sport.”
Anyone can take part by ringing any kind of bell for three minutes; from enthusiastic children with hand bells, bicycle bells and doorbells to experienced change ringing experts of tower bells.
To get involved all individuals, communities and organisations are encouraged to register at www.allthebells.com. The website is an organisational hub designed to co-ordinate local bell ringing events.
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For all media enquiries contact Steven Kennedy in the Communications Department at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 01782 232987.