Hundreds Enjoy Olympic-Themed Fun in Loughborough

AROUND 400 people watched the London 2012 Opening Ceremony on the big screen in Loughborough’s Market Place on Friday night. (July 27)

Spectators sat on rugs and set up picnic tables to enjoy the occasion, and among them was Councillor Paul Harley, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Culture and Leisure.

He said: “It was an event I would have not missed for the world and everyone watching on the big screen felt very much part of the whole occasion.

“It was a wonderful occasion and a tribute to the staff of the Council who have worked so hard to deliver the big screen and accompanying events.

“There were a lot of families at Queen’s Park in the build-up to the Opening Ceremony and there was also a great buzz around the town on Sunday. This will be a memorable summer for the country, but just as much for the borough.”

Earlier in the day, hundreds of families joined in two hours of Olympic-themed fun at Queen’s Park as well as sporty activities back in the town centre.

Among the events going on in Queen’s Park were medal-making, sack races and hula-hoop fun, organised by volunteers from Loughborough Students’ Union, a recycling workshop, face painting and a bouncy castle.

There were also taster sessions in a variety of sports as well as an international flavour, including Asian dancing.

All this week, families have also been experiencing a taste of the seaside with Loughborough-by-the-Sea in full swing, including sandpits, deckchairs, fairground rides and children’s entertainers.

And the “feelgood factor” in the town has been reflected by the recent announcement that Loughborough has earned a £100,000 cash injection through a town regeneration project headed by retail guru Mary Portas.

Loughborough Business Improvement District (BID) was at the forefront of the Portas Pilot Town scheme and chairman Roger Perrett has also praised the town-centre activity.

He said: “With Loughborough University hosting Team GB, it was essential for the town to do something special and I think the big screen really hits the mark.”

All the Olympic action continues on the big screen throughout the rest of London 2012 with a daily menu of top sporting action, including the Loughborough-based athletes looking to silverware.