A golden time for Chelmsford

Above: Chelmsford’s programme of events provides entertainment for all ages

Above: Chelm6

Above: Chelmsford’s Central Park

Above: Chelmsford’s programme of events provides entertainment for all ages

WHEN the Olympics come to London in 2012, Chelmsford will be ready for the starter’s gun. ‘Just 20 minutes away from Stratford, Chelmsford is aiming to benefit enormously from the opportunities for cultural tourism in the run-up to the London Olympics in 2012,’ says Liam Rich, Chelmsford Borough Council’s special events manager.
In fact, councillors in Chelmsford have already put pen to paper and come up with an exciting plan of cultural events that will raise the profile of the county town and encourage its citizens to ride on the crest of the Olympic wave.
Of course, Chelmsford is already known for its leisure and sporting facilities, which include the Civic Theatre, Riverside Ice and Leisure and the Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Stadium, and there is a whole host of annual cultural events that attract bigger and bigger audiences every year.
However, no-one would deny that there is still room for improvement in the cultural arena and it is this that the council is keen to address over the coming five years. To this end, Chelmsford Borough Council has put together a programme of new cultural and sporting activities to go with the established events and to tie in with the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad – a national precursor to the Olympic Games.

Cultural Chelmsford
‘Culture is defined here in its broadest sense and embraces performing arts, media, literature, sport, heritage, play activities, tourism and the creative industries,’ explains Liam. ‘Many of the activities included in the Cultural Events Programme 2008-2012 reflect the values and themes of the Cultural Olympiad. These include an emphasis on Chelmsford’s, the county’s and the country’s cultural diversity, as well as the importance of inspiring and involving young people and making the most of the opportunity to create a positive legacy for the future.’
Chelmsford’s contribution to the Cultural Olympiad is aimed at tempting as many local residents from their armchairs as possible, and also at encouraging more visitors to come to the town. Most of the events will be held outdoors and will give a wonderful opportunity to showcase Chelmsford to people who may not already be familiar with the place. Suggested locations include Backnang Square, Central Park, The Hub, Marconi Plaza, Hylands Park and even the roofs of some buildings.
‘Chelmsford has an enviable reputation for high-quality events,’ says Councillor Tim Roper, cabinet member for leisure and culture. ‘This five-year programme is a bold vision that we’re confident will be a leading celebratory programme for Essex during the build up to the Olympics. The diversity of the activities will be accessible to a broad range of local residents and will also attract people from across the region to experience our rich culture.’
Chelmsford Borough Council’s Special Events Team is currently in talks about plans with the East of England Creative Programmer for the Cultural Olympiad and Chelmsford Borough Council is hopeful that the Olympic committee will smile on our county town and give recognition to its Cultural Events Programme. ‘Chelmsford has already received recognition from the International Olympic Committee when it conducted its new Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) on the World Scout Jamboree site,’ explains Liam Rich. ‘By showcasing Chelmsford and Essex with the unique events we support and organise, including those that have a link to the Cultural Olympiad, we can create a lasting legacy for tourism in the borough.’

Chelmsford’s Cultural Events Programme 2008-12

• ESSEXstreetdiversions Daylight Programme (2008 – 2012):
The International Festival of Outdoor Performance
ESSEXstreetdiversions festivals have taken place in the town over the past five years and consist of an exciting line-up of outdoor performance. The weekend comprises a variety of shows on a simple, yet intriguing theme
• Chelmsford Mini (Children’s) Olympics (2008 & 2012)
This three-day event for Year Two children from all schools in Chelmsford will be piloted in June this year in the hope that it will become an annual highlight. In 2008 and 2012 the event will be enhanced with an celebratory opening ceremony
• Race for Life Celebration (2008 & 2012)
More than 8,000 runners and supporters flocked to Hylands Park last summer for the annual 5km Race for Life, in aid of Cancer Research UK. Chelmsford Borough Council is currently in talks with the Chelmsford Race for Life organisers to investigate enhancing the event with celebratory elements
• The 3foot People Festival (2008-2011): Big Summer Daze and Wonder for Small Children
The country’s only annual festival aimed at the under-fives is a big hit with local little ones and is set to be expanded with more capacity and a greater choice of activities
• Fling (2008-2012): The Performing Arts Escape
Piloting in 2008, this entertainment festival will feature both local talent and professional artists for a showcase of music, dance, cabaret, comedy and sideshows
• EASTmeetsWEST Twilight Spectacle (2008)
This outdoor evening show in Weald Country Park, Brentwood, will act as part of the Essex County Council Chinese Cultural Festival
• Chinese New Year (2009): Sights and Sounds of the Dragon
This one-day festival of Chinese sights, sounds and tastes is planned to take place in Chelmsford town centre in January
• One World Music Series (2008-2010): International Music Performances
This is a series of indoor and outdoor performances of world music
• The Sound of Silence (2009): Outdoor Film and Score Project
A one-off pilot project to commission scores by local orchestras, rock bands and musicians to accompany silent movies projected outdoors
• Watch Out! (2009-2011): Entertainment in the Cultural Quarter
A free event at Marconi Plaza to coincide with the launch of the new season at the neighbouring Civic and Cramphorn Theatres
• ESSEXstreetdiversions Twilight Diversions (2009)
The night carnival is planned to combine ESSEXstreetdiversions Daylight and Twilight programmes
• Disability Visibility Festival (2010 & 2012): Celebrating the Talent of People with Disabilities
The annual Disability Fun Day is to be bigger and better with more space for an expanded line-up of sports and arts activities
• ESSEXstreetdiversions Twilight Spectacle (2010 – 2012)
5,000 people attended The Twilight Spectacle 2007 and marvelled at this showcase of outdorr performance. The plan is to build on that popularity over the coming five years with more large-scale shows
• BigVision (2011 & 2012): Outdoor Sport Coverage and Cinema
 Large screens are to be erected in public spaces to show major sporting events and films in the day as well as the evening 
• One World Cultural Festival (2011): A Celebration of Culture & Friendship
A one-day event in Chelmsford town centre celebrating international music and friendship
• Celebrate Chelmsford Cultural Festival (2012): The 2012 Summer
of Cultural Events
A diverse series of artistic and cultural community events will take place throughout the summer in anticipation of the London Olympics 2012
• Euphonix (2012): Essex Youth Culture Festival
As well as showcasing the best in local music, dance, art and sport for young people, there will also be some more unusual activities to try out

 The details of these events are subject to change