Bells to ring across Shropshire as part of Olympic celebrations
Communities across Shropshire are being encouraged to ring a bell at 8.12am on Friday morning to celebrate the start of the London 2012 Games.
Organisers of the Games are urging people to ring any bell they can lay their hands as quickly and loudly as possible for three minutes between 8.12am and 8.15am to signify the first day of the global sporting extravaganza.
In Telford and Wrekin, a major event is being planned in the centre of Newport by town crier Peter Taunton – with members of the public being urged to gather in Central Square with their bells.
Those taking part will be in great company as the iconic London landmark Big Ben will be one of the thousands of bells ringing out around the country for the three minutes.
The idea behind the nationwide bell-ringing came from Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed and it is being hailed as the UK’s largest single celebration of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Ruth Mackenzie, Director of London 2102 Festival and the Cultural Olympiad, said: "All the Bells is London 2012 Festival's biggest community project, and we are incredibly excited that the commission allows everyone in the UK the chance to be part of history in the making as we aim to set a world record for the largest number of bells to be rung simultaneously."
Telford & Wrekin Councillor, Arnold England, cabinet member for Leisure and Well-being, said:
“The sound of thousands of bells across the country ringing out at the same time to mark this historic moment will be a thrilling experience and a nationwide celebration of the start of the Olympic Games.
“It’s fantastic that there is already a celebration planned for the centre of Newport and I would urge any other groups or communities that are planning a bell-ringing to mark the start of the Olympics to get in touch so we can promote what they are doing.”
