Last updated 14:07, Thursday, 21 August 2008

ULVERSTON will be thrust on to the worldwide sporting map on Sunday.

A Fireworks display over the National Stadium during a rehearsal for the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Beijing, China. REF: 0444315

Mr Powell is responsible for the creative development and delivery of the eight minute segments that London 2012 has within the closing ceremonies on Sunday. The 45-year-old has been in Beijing for the past two weeks putting the finishing touches to Sunday’s routine at the Bird’s Nest stadium.

Speaking from Beijing earlier this week, Mr Powell said: “We are approaching this so that the handover ceremony will work across both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games closing ceremonies, like one story in two halves. It is a real opportunity to inspire London and the UK – as well as an opportunity to remind the world what a rich, vibrant, eclectic, diverse and influential culture we have.

“On Thursday we have our dress rehearsal and then we pack up and head for the stadium with one day off and a final dance rehearsal off-site. Everyone who has seen what we are planning to do has loved it.

“The National Youth Theatre arrived today and we are fitting them into the show. It’s been very long days but all is going very well and the set is beautiful.”

Mr Powell has been cycling around Beijing during his time in the Chinese capital. He said: “They have huge cycle lanes here and a very sedate way of riding, seemingly all at the same speed.”

The Lanternhouse will continue to celebrate its link to the Olympic Games back in Ulverston.

The arts centre, based in The Ellers, is preparing for a handover party based on the themes of journey and transformation.

Lanternhouse executive director, George Harris, said: “We can’t all be in Beijing this Sunday to witness the London 2012 Olympic handover ceremony, but we will indeed be having our very own special celebration at Lanternhouse.

“The journey to London 2012 starts at about 2.30pm on Sunday and we plan to make our own unique, symbolic statement of the fact. We will be unveiling our ‘London 2012 Countdown Wall’ and have lots of other things on the agenda.”

There will be food, drink and a big television screen so people can watch the ceremonies.

The power of sport and art will be marked by a specially-commissioned new piece of art by Sumit Sarkar, currently the digital artist in residence at Lanternhouse National Creation Centre, who will start on the new piece during the party.

The company’s new director of participation, Emma Bartlet, will also lead a creative session for young people. The party runs from 1pm to 4pm.

Anybody interested in going along should contact the Lanternhouse on 01229 581127.

Meanwhile, two young South Lakes sports stars will be taking part in the nationwide ‘Flying the Flag – London 2012’ handover celebrations on Sunday at Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show.

Flags will be raised all over the UK at around 2.30pm to mark the occasion and South Lakeland’s contribution will be at Grasmere with Kim Little, a 14-year-old champion fell runner from Ulverston, and Thomas Maloney, a 12-year-old champion wrestler from Grasmere. Kendal Judo Club, Ambleside Boxing Club and Kendal Fencing Club will also give a 45-minute demonstration of their Olympic sport, and flags will fly at Ulverston’s Coronation Hall and Kendal Town Hall for a month.