Events mark one year countdown to the 2012 Olympics

Audiences in Telford can enjoy an afternoon picnic in their park as part of a series of events to mark the one year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The London 2012 Open Weekend will take place from today until Sunday, showcasing the best the UK has to offer in art, dance, film and sport.

Shropshire will host some nationally-significant events over Open Weekend including an afternoon picnic at Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Park, a free concert of classical music for all the family inspired by the Olympics.

Blists Hill Victorian Town will stage its own Community Games and visitors will be able to watch traditional Victorian sports and games such as quoits, croquet and running races and also join in some quirky challenges such as leek flinging.

The Marches Youth Festival in Ludlow will provide a day-long programme of acts and events, including music, storytelling, puppetry, dance and street theatre, climbing wall, go karts, inflatable slide, skateboarding, scooters and BMX, arts, craft and cooking workshops, graffiti and pavement art.

And in The Great West Midlands Poetry Relay, 10 poets will create a poem in 10 parts over a day, travelling around the West Midlands, passing the poetry baton and culminating in a grand release where the finished poem will be carried away by a flock of racing pigeons. They will visit Much Wenlock, birthplace of the modern Olympic movement.

Paul Kaynes, creative programmer for the West Midlands, said: "During Open Weekend 2011 people across the West Midlands will celebrate the one year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in fun and exciting ways."

He added: "From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 July, thousands of people will be showing off their creative and sporting talents by actively participating in events to celebrate the greatest show on earth coming to the UK."

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said: "For our fourth year Open Weekend is focused on celebrating the 'One Year to Go' countdown to the London 2012 Games and helping communities across the country experience the best of British sporting, artistic and cultural talents up close."

Lord Coe said: "I'd encourage people to get involved at a local event as part of this nationwide celebration; it will be an amazing event."

SHROPSHIRE HIGHLIGHTS

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Park: Outdoor interactive classical music concert featuring a 25-piece orchestra performing popular classical music, film scores and arrangements of modern popular music to appeal to a diverse audience. Admission to the event is free of charge. Event visitors are invited to bring along deckchairs and picnics. www.telford.gov.uk/orchestrainthepark Sunday, 2pm to 4pm Telford Town Park, Hollinswood, Telford TF3 3NZ.

Shakespeare on The Green: Oddsocks Theatre Company will bring live entertainment to the Ironbridge Gorge this summer with their own inspired interpretation of William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth. Saturday, 7pm. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Legges Way, Madeley, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 5DU. £11 for adults and £8 for concessions. Tickets can be bought in advance from Ironbridge Visitor Information Centre or Blists Hill Victorian Town.

Science, Sport, Life Festival: Find inspiration at event on the Coalbrookdale Green, with opportunities to try fencing, cricket, archery, yoga and Pilates. Talks, fitness assessments and challenges will be available throughout the day in Enginuity.

• Saturday, 10am to 5pm. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Coalbrookdale, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 7DQ. Mainly free.

Community Games: Blists Hill Victorian Town will stage its own Community Games. Visitors will be able to watch traditional Victorian sports and games such as quoits, croquet and running races and also join in some quirky challenges such as leek flinging. Sunday, 10am to 5pm. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Legges Way, Madeley, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 5DU. Museum ticket available on the day.

Much Wenlock on the Air: Telford and District Amateur Radio Society will be using amateur radio equipment to speak with amateurs throughout the UK, Europe and around the globe. They will be talking to fellow amateurs telling them about the history of Dr William Penny Brookes, his creation of the Wenlock Olympian Games in 1850.Saturday, 9am to 8pm. Sunday, 9am to noon. Museums and Galleries, The Bull Ring, Much Wenlock, Shropshire TF13 6HS. Free.

The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve Open Day: Come and see what makes its home on this special reserve, learn about the plants and animals and how the reserve is managed. There will be hands on activities for all ages to enjoy. www.naturalengland.org.uk Sunday, 11am to 3pm. Knoll Car park, The Stiperstones NNR, Minsterley, Shropshire. Admission to the event is free.

Marches Youth Festival: The Youth Festival is a one-day mini festival full of dynamic acts and events – live music, storytelling, puppetry, dance and street theatre, climbing wall, go karts, inflatable slide, skateboarding, scooters and BMX, arts, craft and cooking workshops, graffiti and pavement art. www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk Saturday, noon to 4pm. Wheeler Road playing fields, Sandpits Avenue, Ludlow SY8 1AZ. Free.