Handover Days
The first major events for London 2012 are the Closing Ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. During each of these, in a formal handover the Olympic Flag is passed from the Mayor of Beijing to the Mayor of London. The Handover Ceremonies officially mark the start of the London 2012 Olympiad and are the first opportunity to ainvite the world to London for the 2012 Games.
The Olympic Handover takes place on Sunday 24 August 2008 - the August Bank Holiday Weekend for many people. On that day, it is anticipated that there will be major events in London and in many towns, cities and communities inspired by the Olympics coming to the UK. The Beijing Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony takes place on Wednesday 17 September 2008 and will also contain a London 2012 segment.
A number of celebration events are planned in Buckinghamshire to mark the Beijing Olympics and the official handover of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Britain later this summer. The list is being growing all the time, so keep checking to find out what's happening near you!
List of Events
Celebration of China
Chinese Food, Writing and Painting. Join the Old Gaol Museum for their China-themed children's activities. Activities will include Chinese-style writing and painting. Chinese food will also be available.
Location: Old Gaol Museum, Buckingham
Date: 11th August 2008
Time: 1.30 - 3.30pm
Olympic Sports Showcase Event
A chance to come and test your skills at a range of sports and healthy activities, helping to find the future Olympians and Paralympians from across Aylesbury Vale.
Location: Kingsbury
Date: 15th August 2008
Time: 10.00am- 4.00pm
Join in with the Beijing Olympics
A 'Mini Olympics' for children
Location: Old Gaol Museum, Buckingham
Date: 20th August 2008
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
The Silk String Quartet
New in its style and unique in its instrumentation, the Silk String Quartet is an exciting professional Chinese string group. The Silk String Quartet plays new music - some specially commissioned - as well as their own interpretations of traditional pieces.
Location: Market Square, Aylesbury
Date: 23rd August 2008
Time: 11.30am - 1.00pm
Olympics Handover Day Celebrations
Come to the new High Wycombe library and take part in some fun activities to celebrate the Olympic Handover
Location: High Wycombe Library
Date: 24th August 2008
Time: tbc
Roald Dahl Children's Gallery
Come and celebrate the day at a special Sunday opening of the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery
Location: Roald Dahl Children's Gallery, Aylesbury
Date: 24th August 2008
Time: 1.00 - 5.00 pm
Art in the Park
This event will incorporate an Olympic theme to mark the occasion of the Olympic handover from Beijing to London. Artists will come to the park and create a piece of temporary artwork which will remain in the park, either with the help of the public, or work on their own material in such a way that members of the public are encouraged to join in, and hopefully be inspired to get creative at home and throughout the period leading up to the games.
Location: Black Park, Wexham
Date: 24th August 2008
Time: tbc
Hobble on the Cobbles
This amazing music festival brings to an end the Summer Music Festival and attracts people from across the country. Eight hours of non-stop music from gentle acoustic to head banging heavy - it's a favourite in Aylesbury.
Location: Market Square, Aylesbury
Date: 24th August 2008
Time: 11.00am - 7.00pm
Paralympics Handover Celebrations
Starting with past paralympians visiting local schools, and culminating in a celebration in Kingsbury, Aylesbury, the day will be a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the first Paralympic Games at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Featuring Signdance Collective, Doorways Dance Group and many others.
Location: Kingsbury, Aylesbury
Date: 17th September 2008
Time: 1.00 - 5.00pm