Celebrating Olympic Games Countdown

22 July 2011, 06:00

The countdown to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is being celebrated across the Thames Valley with loads of free or low cost art, dance, music and sports events this weekend.

It's the fourth London 2012 Open Weekend and is running from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th July.

Here's a taster of the events include:

OXFORDSHIRE

Barton Big Challenge Swim: A unique art event to get more people interested in the sport by letting them swim through a misty haze of colourful lights. 1pm to 8pm Barton Leisure Centre.

Come and Try Day in Banbury, Kidlington and Bicester: People can try out sports like badminton, basketball, and squash free of charge from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday at leisure centres.

Summertown Open Weekend: A whole range of family activities on all three days - including rowing, squash and swimming. That's at the Ferry Leisure Centre in Diamond Place.

Oxford Philomusica: A performance of Baroque music by the Oxford Philomusica is being held at the Sheldonian Theatre on Friday at 8pm. Tickets between £37 and £10.

BERKSHIRE

GLL Counting Down to the Games: Reading's Rivermead Leisure Complex has free sessions of swimming, aerobiking, rowing and gym from 9am to 3pm on Sunday.

Outside:Inside Pop-up Festival: A series of exhibitions and talks by artists at 42 Market Place, Reading. 12pm to 7pm Saturday.

Cycle Tour de Dorney: There's a six and twelve mile bike ride from Burnham Upper School in Slough to the Olympic rowing venue Dorney Lake. That's at 2:20pm on Sunday. The event is free but must be booked here.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Aylesbury: On Saturday an Olympic-themed event is being held at various places including Kingsbury and Vale Park between 11am and 3pm. There will be games for kids and the chance to try out sporting events like nordic walking, judo and cycling.

For more information on what's happening in your area - click here