With London now officially the Host City of the next Summer Games, the eyes of the world are on the UK. And the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be more than just four weeks of sport.   UK residents can expect a celebration of sport, culture and education for all the regions and nations.

Over the next four years, there is a chance to become involved in an extensive and exciting cultural programme that highlights the country’s diversity.  It’s called the Cultural Olympiad and will bring together culture and sport, to create works and events that celebrate people and places, encourage new audiences to take part, involve and inspire young people, and welcome the world to the 2012 Games.

The launch weekend for the Cultural Olympiad, Friday 26 – Sunday 28 September, is themed ‘Open Weekend’, with over 500 events taking place across the UK.

Many cultural organisations are kicking off the celebrations by offering people the chance to see or take part in something which is happening as a special event, or that would normally take place behind the scenes. 

To see what's happening in Somerset take a look at our 'Things to do' page.