Open Weekend 2010

Surrey embraced Olympic fever during Open Weekend (23-25 July). Which marks two years until the start of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Organisations across the county opened their doors to residents of all ages, encouraging them to take part in cultural and sports activities.

Here are just some of the activities that happened over Open Weekend.

Qigong at the Open Weekend.
Surrey Sports Park, Guildford
23 July 2010

Surrey Sports Park hosted a unique opportunity for the public to discover their inner calm, whilst trying their hand at the ancient Chinese exercise of Qigong. Demonstated by a Grand Master, the group of 100 participants experienced Qigong’s powerful system of breathing techniques, gentle movements and meditation.


Elmbridge 'opens up' for 2012
Elmbridge
24 July 2010

Elmbridge residents enjoyed a free, healthy and fun Open Weekend event where they took part in group exercises and a sporting heritage trail.  

Summer Fun Fest
Spelthorne
24 July 2010

Up to 1000 people enjoyed a day of fun and activity at Lammas Park in Spelthorne . Activities ranged from aerobics, football, sailing taster sessions, boccia, tennis and guided walks and for those who wanted a more relaxing afternoon, there was plenty of entertainment in the form of theatre shows and performances from local musicians.

Surrey Heritage Open Day
Surrey History Centre, Woking
24 July 2010

Historical artifacts and family history was on the agenda at the Surrey History Centre in Woking. Enthusiasts were wowed with talks from Surrey Heritage experts, and were given the chance of touring the centre, enjoying all the fantastic artefacts and archives.  And for those who fancy tracing their family history, experts were on hand to advise on how to go about it.

Further Open Weekend events that took place accross Surrey.

Theatre Meadows: Theatre and Circus Festival
Farnham
23 – 25 July 2010

Audiences in Farnham were treated to a selection of dazzling performances under a big top for Open Weekend. The event staged by 14-26 year old Waverley residents, also gave visitors an opportunity to learn circus skills at one of the workshops and browse the bustling market stalls. The event was organised by young people from across Waveley and the staff at the Farnham Maltings.


2,012 Together
Surbiton Station
24 July 2010

Musicians from the Surbiton Royal British Legion, Kingston and Malden Scout troups and Hook 1st Scout Groups took part in the 2,012 together simultaneous music challenge.  Organised by Marching youth bands, young people from all over the country rose to the challenge to host live performances by 2,012 musicians, performed at 11am on 24 July.


GLL Open Weekend
Rainbow Leisure Centre, Epsom
Canons Leisure Centre, Mitcham
24 July 2010

From an Olympic style challenge to shoot 2,012 basketball hoops at the Rainbow Leisure Centre, to coaching from London Gym School experts at Canons in Mitcham, there were plenty of activities on offer to visitors to GLL leisure centres.


Play in a Week – 2012 Going for Gold
Nomad Theatre, East Horsley
24 July 2010

Going for Gold was the fifth play that Anita Sullivan has written for The Nomads Play in a Week. Set at a Paralympic Games it featured the high and lows of competition, and the intimacy of the smaller stories behind the scenes. As a curtain raiser, The Freewheelers Theatre Company presented an extract from their moving new play "Messages of Love and Hate" by Rachel Barnett.


Street Clash
Portsmouth Road Car Park. Guildford
25 July

Members of the public had a great time at the free Street Clash event, a youth festival with an edge.  From arts, dance, music, football and basketball games to having a go in the skate park, there was no time to get bored.



Did you have an Open Weekend event that Go Surrey can help you publicise? If so contact us at london2012@surreycc.gov.uk