Lord Coe gift offers visitors to England's greatest Elizabethan house even more history in 2013

Burghley house has wrapped up an Olympic year of celebration with a unique gift from the man who spearheaded Britain's hugely successful London 2012 Games.

Ancestral home to David Cecil, Lord Burghley (1905-1981) - an Olympic gold medal-winning hurdler who helped deliver the 1948 London Games - Burghley celebrated its sporting connections with an exhibition of his sporting achievements as well as special events in 2012.

Among exhibits on display during the year long exhibition was an original Olympic torch from the 1948 London Games - and Burghley, near Stamford, welcomed the 2012 version during a torch runner hand-over as part of the Olympic Flame's triumphant UK summer relay.

Now one of the 2012 torches has returned to the Lincolnshire historic house… thanks to the generosity of Olympics supremo Lord Sebastian Coe.

The gift means that England's greatest Elizabethan house has the honour of being home to not one, but two Olympic torches from two different Games.

Fittingly Lord Coe was at Burghley in July to welcome the torch as it changed hands in front of the house, which was home to Lord Burghley, a celebrated Olympic athlete and the man who was effectively the Lord Coe of his day for the last London Games, in 1948.

Lord Coe also carried the torch himself in his hometown of Sheffield and like all runners who took part in the nationwide relay he got to keep his torch as a memento. And he has decided to donate his torch to Burghley so that it can go on display alongside Lord Burghley's 1948 torch in the permanent Olympic Corridor exhibition within the House in 2013.

"We're so grateful to Lord Coe for his very gracious gift which will add a special bit of sporting history to Burghley's remarkable collection" said Miranda Rock, Burghley House director.

And she added: "It's been a pleasure this year seeing so many visitors appreciating my grandfather's sporting legacy thanks to the wonderful exhibits we were able to display as part of our Olympics exhibition, including the torch from the 1948 London Games.

"Welcoming the 2012 torch to Burghley in the summer was among our highlights of the year and we were so grateful that Lord Coe took time out of his busy schedule to share that special day with us. Now his gift of his own Olympic torch will mean visitors to the house next year will be able to see even more Olympic history in this very special place.”

Hurdler David Cecil, Lord Burghley, who inherited the title of Marquess of Exeter from his father in 1956, was one of the golden athletes of his generation, winning gold for the 400 metres hurdles at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and silver in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics 4x400 metre relay.

Once he retired from active sport, he worked hard for amateur ideals within the Olympic movement. As President of the International Amateur Athletic Federation, Chairman of the British Olympic Association and a member of the International Olympic Committee, he was instrumental in bringing the Olympic Games to England in 1948 and was also chairman of the Organising and Executive Committee for those Games.

During his time at Cambridge, Lord Burghley - as he was then known - was also the inspiration behind one of the key characters in the movie Chariots of Fire, played by Nigel Havers. A famous scene in that film was also inspired by one of Lord Burghley’s feats – the race around the Great Court at Trinity College, Cambridge, against fellow athletes, when he became the only person to sprint around the courtyard before the college clock tolled 12 times.

While the Olympics exhibition ended when the House closed for the season at the end of October, Burghley’s permanent Olympic Corridor display returns for the 2013 season. The expanded exhibition will also now include both the 1948 and 2012 Olympic torches.

For full details of 2013 opening times and prices visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

Harewood Goes Urban for the Olympics 11th to 12th August 2012

‘Games in the Park’ events have been taking place around the region this summer to celebrate all things Olympic.  Games in the Park is part of ‘Imove’, Legacy Trust UK’s celebratory programme for Yorkshire and part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Legacy Trust UK is an independent charity set up to create a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

Games in the Park at Harewood House in August is a chance to see Harewood as you’ve never seen it before.  Freerunning@ is an extraordinary freerunners’ outfit that will show you some of the most extraordinary stunts using the landscape and architecture of Harewood.  It’s perfect for teens to get their blood racing, and includes urban performances from this top freerunner group showcasing their energetic choreography which combines acrobatics and martial arts.

http://www.youtube.com/share_popup?v=hRV3AGkGsA4  You can even have a go yourself with our Freerunning@ workshops (pre-bookable).  Check the website for times of performances.

The event also boasts a combination of traditional games with contemporary culture and dance, mixing family-friendly activities, poetry workshops, storytelling and performances from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Ticket details are as follows:

Adult: £10.00, Senior Citizen: £9.00, Child: £6.00, Family: £30.00, Student: £6.00.

(Family Ticket = 2 adults and up to 3 children (aged 4-16). Children under 4 are free.)

Tickets for this event include entrance to the Grounds and this event is free to Harewood Members.

Become a member and enjoy either an annual membership, or enjoy a ‘7 Weeks of Summer’ membership.  Visit visit www.harewood.org/membership.

Norfolk and Norwich Festival

A stretch of North Norfolk’s stunning wild coastline is to be transformed for an extraordinary outdoor adventure as it becomes the setting for one of the UK’s biggest cultural events over the next few weeks. 

A series of awe-inspiring sculptural installations will punctuate a three mile path on the Holkham Estate for Walking – a major collaboration between the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and the internationally acclaimed artist Robert Wilson - from 20 August to 2 September.

Participants will be offered the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a series of magnificent sculptural and sound installations as part of London 2012 Festival – the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK.

Walking will also offer visitors will also have the chance to view this stunning landscape from a fresh perspective while escaping the pressures of day to day life.

Wilson has used choreography, painting, sculpture and video for a number of celebrated collaborations with Philip Glass on the operatic masterpiece Einstein on the Beach, which first premiered in Avignon France in 1976 and was recently revived for The Barbican in London, also as part of the London 2012 Festival.

Now the pioneering American director is turning his creative talents to Walking in collaboration with
Dutch visual artist Theun Mosk and theatre maker Boukje Schweigman, who wowed audiences with the world premiere of their physical theatre piece Mirror at this year’s Norfolk & Norwich Festival.
On arrival at Holkham, participants will be asked to hand over mobile phones and other possessions so they can totally switch off from any distractions, enabling them to reflect on the beauty of the surrounding landscape and dramatic skyline.

Visitors will set off on a slow paced walk along the carefully selected path which winds through meadows, woodlands and dunes as well as a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The stage will be set for those who choose to venture along the route and into sculptural installations which rise out from the landscape evoking images of ancient civilisations and alien worlds.
Participants will initially encounter an imposing open air courtyard standing in distinct contrast to its natural environment.  A path of white stones will tempt onlookers to explore this intriguing space and discover the mysteries inside its monumental walls. 

Further along the route, a cone can be seen in the distance pointing towards the heavens – inviting explorers to step through its circular doorway into this intriguing haven.

The experience of these mysterious structures will be further enhanced by ambient sound installations enabling each walker to create their own unique narrative.

Mid route, participants will be able to sit back and relax in specially designed chairs while listening to sound composed by Tom Waits.

The installations are not only intricately designed to give participants a fresh perspective on what to some is a familiar landscape but the route also goes through an area which is not usually accessible to the public, creating yet more unknown vistas.

Walking producer Kate Harvey said: “In an era of 24-hour news channels, when time and attention are dominated by an overload of information from emails, phones and the internet, Walking provides a unique liberation from the stresses and strains of everyday life. For a brief 4 hour period we invite you to leave your pressures behind, free your senses and experience the world in a new dimension.”
A native of Waco, Texas, Robert Wilson was educated at the University of Texas and arrived in New York in 1963 to attend Brooklyn's Pratt Institute before receiving international recognition for his works, many of which examine our perception of time and space. Walking premiered at Oerol Festival in the Netherlands in 2008.

“It’s very curious when you do Walking. One’s perception is altered. We did it on the island of Terschelling off the coast of the Netherlands. Local people, who knew the landscape, heard things they had never heard before, began to see things they had never seen before. Some went two or three times. All the senses are heightened in one way or another. It’s theatre, but not as you know it,” said Robert Wilson, who will be visiting Holkham for the launch of Walking.

A team of production crew, engineers and labourers will be based on site over the next month constructing the installations and work has already begun on the two larger structures – the enclosure and the cone.

More than 12 tonnes of steel will be used to construct the first installation – a 20 metre by 20 metre and 5 metre high enclosure - along with 1,200 bunches of willow, 176 sheets of plywood and 80 tonnes of sand. The cone will be made out of a specially designed timber frame which is clad in clay.
Materials for all the installations have been sourced from local firms, including Arc Fabrications and A & W Cushion Ltd and the project has also benefitted from donations of plant machinery and tools from companies such as May Gurney, Hewden and tool hire company GAP Group.

Kate Harvey said: “We have decided to use local firms as far as possible to keep the benefits of the project within the region. We are receiving a lot of help and support from local companies who are interested and excited in being involved in such a high profile project with an international artist. We hope this will leave a legacy of collaboration between the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and local firms, many of whom do not traditionally work within the arts.”

Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s production team has worked closely with Natural England and the Holkham Estate from the outset to ensure that plans did not impact on the delicate balance of the natural environment.

Sarah Wilson, Natural England’s area manager for Natural England Norfolk and Suffolk said: “Natural England has been pleased to work with the Norfolk and Norwich Festival organisers of this exciting cultural event, so that visitors can enjoy the wonderful scenery and unique location of ‘Walking’ while minimising any possible impacts on the natural environment”

Walking  has been funded by Legacy Trust UK and supported by the Foyle Foundation, was commissioned by Norfolk & Norwich Festival.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s Artistic Director William Galinsky said: “Walking has provided a fantastic opportunity for Norfolk & Norwich Festival to get involved in London 2012 Festival - the biggest Arts Festival the UK has ever seen. We not only get a unique event in which internationally renowned artist Robert Wilson responds to our gorgeous natural landscape but Walking will also give us an opportunity to build on Norfolk’s cultural reputation and show that we can do amazingly unusual and fantastic things in this area.”

Ruth Mackenzie, Director, London 2012 Festival and Cultural Olympiad, said: “Norfolk & Norwich Festival has secured the UK premiere of this exceptional piece by one of the world's great artists. Walking is one of three pieces for the London 2012 Festival by Robert Wilson – a first for a festival in the UK”

Helen Lax, Regional Director, Arts Council England, East, said ‘Walking promises to be one of the most exciting and thought-provoking events of the summer. It is a celebration of a stunning part of our region, allowing audiences to take time to appreciate the beauty of the North Norfolk coast. We are also pleased to see Norfolk and Norwich Festival programming work both outside of the Festival period, and in new and unexpected places, in celebration of this Olympic year.’

Legacy Trust UK is creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

Dugald Mackie, Chair of Legacy Trust UK, said: “The benefits of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be felt not just in London but throughout the UK. The Games are a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the East of England to millions of people across the world. We believe that projects like Walking will inspire and encourage people to get involved and will help leave a lasting legacy for the region.”

David Horton-Fawkes, Estates Director, Holkham said:  “Holkham is delighted to support this groundbreaking event which will challenge perceptions of the nature and  environment and will enhance people’s respect for this area outstanding beauty.

A second London 2012 Festival project from the Norfolk & Norwich Festival Out of the Water by Helen Paris and Caroline Wright and featuring music by Jocelyn Pook will take place at Holkham from August 25 - 27.

Tickets for Walking cost £15 and concessions £5 - available to under 25s, full time students, those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance or income support.

Tickets are available through our website: www.nnfestival.org.uk or by phone 01603 766400 or in person at Norwich Theatre Royal.

Olympic Torch is on its way to Treasure Houses of England

Harewood - Tuesday 19 June 2012

On day 32 of its journey around the country, the Torch will be departing from Hull at 07:04am on Tuesday 19 June, and arrives at Harewood at 12:02pm in the afternoon ready to complete the 1-mile route down the drive to the front of the House.  You can line the street in the village and also the top section of the main drive into Harewood to see the Olympic Flame and support your local Torchbearers as they carry it past. Our Torchbearers for this, the Harewood leg of the relay, are Janet Baker, Jonny Johnson and Roy Leinster.  Local schools have been invited to welcome the Torch to Harewood House as it arrives, and Harewood members and visitors are welcome to come on the day to see all the action too.  http://www.harewood.org/whats-on/news/1/887

Chatsworth Delighted to Welcome the Olympic Flame on June 29

The Olympic Flame will travel to Chatsworth on Friday June 29 as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay tour of the region.  The torch will be carried into the garden onto the south lawn for a press photo opportunity against the backdrop of the restored south façade of the house renewed with re-gilded paintwork and sparklingly clean stonework. The torch will then be visible from the parkland as it is carried in front of Bastion Wall on the West Front of the House.

The Duke of Devonshire said: "We are delighted to welcome the Olympic Flame to Chatsworth. The relay is a fantastic way for us to share in the excitement of the Olympics and is a great opportunity to showcase some of the most beautiful landmarks across the country."

http://www.chatsworth.org/whats-on/events/olympic-torch-relay-comes-to-chatsworth

On Tuesday 3 July, day 46 of the Olympic Torch Relay, Burghley will welcome the flame into the park to change hands in front of the Elizabethan mansion, in the presence of Miranda Rock, the granddaughter of former Olympic Hurdler, David Cecil, Lord Burghley, who won a gold medal at the 1928 Games and Lord Coe. http://www.burghley.co.uk/events

The Olympic Torch relay continues on to the glorious Hatfield House, Elizabeth 1^st childhood home on Sunday, July 8 at around 2.15. http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/whats-on/events/

Blenheim Palace welcomes the Olympic flame, on Monday 9th July - sharing in the excitement of the relay and celebrating the achievements of the Torchbearers.  From 1.30 pm there will be free entry to Blenheim Park, Great Court and East Courtyard; this will include free parking.  (Normal pricing through the morning until 1.30pm).  The Torch relay is expected to come through Woodstock Town Gate and into Blenheim Park at around 3.40pm. http://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events.html

19 July : Celebrate the Olympic Flame and watch history being made at Leeds Castle, as the Olympic Torch passes through the estate on its journey around the UK.
http://www.leeds-castle.com

Jaw-dropping free running show set to bring high-octane exhilaration for the whole family to the UK in summer 2012

This summer some of Britain’s best loved Stately Homes, parks and leisure centres will provide the back-drop to Freerunning@, a spectacular open-air street dance production. The show brings together some of the world’s best free runners, martial artists and multiple world record holders in an awe-inspiring display of extreme sports athleticism, agility and acrobatics. Venues include Holkham Hall and Harewood House..

Showcasing the kind of thrilling action made famous by street dance troupes like ‘Diversity’, film scenes such as the opening of ‘Casino Royale’, genre defining programmes like ‘Jump London’ (http://bit.ly/HV56XM) and the BBC’s remarkable ‘Rush Hour’ sequence (http://bit.ly/qHqPr) , the show uses exhilarating music, eye-popping staging and stunning choreography to create a spectacle for all the family.

Featuring Creative Director and triple Guinness World Record holder Sam Parham (Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Harry Potter, Woman In Black), the show tells the story of Jake, a homeless teenager who teaches himself Free Running. A successful open audition as a film stunt extra gives Jake his big break, but as punishing schedule filming action scenes get underway he realises how much he still has to learn from the likes of stunt coordinator and martial arts expert Scarlett - played jointly by Guinness world record holder Chloe Bruce (Harry Potter, Clash of the Titans 2) and sister Grace Bruce (Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows). When filming is thrown into crisis, Jake is faced with the biggest challenge of his life, both personally and professionally.

This is the first Free Running theatrical tour to be staged in the UK, which will bring together some of the leading performers in the art. Free Running or Parkour has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with more than 500,000 videos currently on YouTube. It is also set to feature in the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Representing great value for money, audiences at the shows will be able to take in the fantastic surroundings, visit the homes and grounds and enjoy a picnic before the show. There will also be workshops at selected venues, where adults and children have a once in a lifetime opportunity to try out some moves for themselves under the expert guidance of the world-renowned cast!

The show is fully interactive, with audience members becoming part of the production as ‘extras’ in the filming scenes and at other times able to get close up to the action and see the incredible moves first-hand. It is the first production of its kind, combining classical music with contemporary beats to reflect the changing scenes, fusing street-dance with Free Running, choreography with improvisation and the heritage backdrops of the houses with the most exciting street-style action. (see a preview video here: http://bit.ly/HYALq6).

Speaking about the tour, producer Susannah Daley said: “Free Running is one of the most exciting extreme sports around at the moment. It will feature in the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony and is being promoted as an official sport by the Mayor of London. These athletes are remarkable and audiences of all ages will be able to enjoy their agility, strength and athleticism in an exhilarating show in fantastic settings. Whether you’re young or old, this show has something for everyone and is a great way to entertain the kids during the summer holidays.”

Freerunning@
24th Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
25th Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
11th Harewood, Leeds, North Yorkshire
12th Harewood, Leeds, North Yorkshire

For ticket prices please contact:
Harewood Tel: 0113 218 1000
Holkham Hall Tel: 01328 7131111

World’s Top Riders Compete for Olympic Places at Chatsworth Horse Trials 11-13 May 2012

Chatsworth Horse Trials promises to be full of drama this year as the world’s top riders compete in one of the last major events before the Olympics with a view to securing their place in London this summer.

The Horse Trials, set in the Chatsworth park, is proving a particularly popular choice for Olympic hopefuls as it provides excellent preparation for the terrain of Greenwich Park. Almost 600 riders are competing including GB contenders Tina Cook, Mary King, Zara Phillips, William Fox Pitt, Piggy French, Ruth Edge and Lucy Wiegersma.

Horse Trials director Tissie Reason said: “I doubt there’s a better opportunity to see so much Olympic class at close quarters. It’s a great opportunity to get caught up in the excitement as we build up to the Olympics, with the chance to see horses and riders that could be picking up medals in a few weeks time.”

Top riders from Sweden, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, Jamaica and Brazil will also take on the 23 jumps of the 4,000m course chasing the dream of Olympic selection for their country.

Olympic medallist and course designer Ian Stark said: “This year’s course is being reversed in direction to give a more gentle introduction. It also means the horses will only have to climb the main hill once. It’s important that the horses have a confidence building run in preparation for London so the tougher combinations have been softened a little, although it is still very much a World Cup Class!”

GB rider William Fox Pitt, who will be bringing his horses Lionheart and Oslo to compete added: “I have always enjoyed riding at Chatsworth and it will be exciting to see how the new course rides. It’s a welcome change in this Olympic year.”

Chatsworth Horse Trials is also the only UK round of the FEI World Cup™. Excitement and suspense are synonymous with the World Cup series which tests the determination and skill of the best riders in the world, a prestigious and much sought after title. Chatsworth is the first competition in this year’s series of five international competitions.

As well as Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country, visitors will be able to see the stars of tomorrow in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers on Friday. The main weekend days also provide lots of fun for all the family with entertainment including the Pony Club mounted games, ferret racing, John Halsted and the Duchess of Devonshire’s own gundogs, dressage demonstrations, maypole dancing, face painting and children’s rides.

Discounted tickets are still available up until 7 May including an online exclusive offer for full weekend tickets for adult £22 and under 14s £7, under 5s free. Visit www.chatsworth.org/horsetrials for more details.

Normal ticket prices per day are Saturday £13 per adult; £4 per child (under 14); Sunday £15 per adult; £5 per child (under 14) plus £3 car parking. Gates open at 8am on all three days.

Chatsworth house, gardens, farmyard and playground, shops and restaurants are all open as usual. For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org

Chatsworth Delighted to Welcome the Olympic Flame To the Derbyshire Estate

It has been announced this week that the Olympic Flame will travel to Chatsworth on Friday June 29 as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay tour of the region.

The torch will be carried into the garden onto the south lawn for a photo opportunity against the backdrop of the restored south façade of the house renewed with re-gilded paintwork and sparklingly clean stonework. Visitors will also be able to see the torch from the parkland being carried in front of the Bastion Wall in front of the West Front of the House.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Olympic Flame to Chatsworth. The relay is a fantastic way for us to share in the excitement of the Olympics and is a great opportunity to showcase some of the most beautiful landmarks across the country.”

David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, added: “It’s great to see that, as well as taking in so much of our varied and beautiful area, the detailed torch relay route includes some of our premier tourist attractions, such as Chatsworth and the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath. 

“Excitement is building as the torch relay draws ever closer, and we’re hoping that both local people and visitors will make the most of this unique chance to enjoy the pre-Olympic fun. We are encouraging local tourism businesses and attractions to capitalise by offering special deals and promotions to bring people into the area to join in the celebrations.”

An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Schools across the UK can now access free learning resources linked to the Olympic Torch Relay through Get Set (london2012.com/getset), the official London 2012 education programme. The activities are designed to help schools and colleges make the most of the Relay by lining the route, and cheering on their local Torchbearers. Resources include ideas for making Flame hats and shakers to welcome the Flame, an assembly presentation to get the school behind a Torchbearer and a film showing one Get Set network school's preparations for the Relay.

Chatsworth house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground opened on March 11 2012. For more information and ticketing options including a 10 percent discount for online booking, visit www.chatsworth.org

www.treasurehouses.co.uk 

Gold medals and movie magic . . . a royal Olympic year for Burghley House

England’s greatest Elizabethan house will be offering visitors a unique take on Britain’s Olympic year including perhaps the most scenic place to watch the London 2012 Games – and the picturesque venue for a blockbuster summer feast of movie outdoor screenings.
Throw in fun family events, free-to-enter Fine Food Markets, summer picnics plus Diamond Jubilee celebrations and Lincolnshire’s Burghley House is setting its sights on a bumper 2012.
 
As Britain prepares for Olympic glory and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, one of the country’s most inspirational past Olympic champions is being celebrated at the ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth I’s most trusted adviser.
 
Since being built 400 years ago by William Cecil, Lord Burghley - Elizabeth I’s chief minister - Burghley House has dominated the sweeping approach to the Georgian stone town of Stamford. Today, it still packs that ‘wow’ factor – offering a packed family day out with a combined ticket giving access to the House plus two gardens, including the Tudor-inspired Gardens of Surprise.
 
Regarded by many as England’s greatest Elizabethan house, Burghley has a unique claim to fame for its 2012 season - as home to an Olympic Gold Medal Winner and one of the key organisers behind the last Olympic Games to be staged in London. 
 
David Cecil, Lord Burghley (1905-1981), who inherited the title of Marquess of Exeter from his father in 1956, was one of the golden athletes of his generation. During a sporting career spanning more than a decade he won every available honour in his chosen discipline culminating in achieving gold for the 400 metres hurdles at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and silver in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics 4x400 metre relay.
 
Lord Burghley’s great talent as a hurdler and his life at Cambridge was the inspiration behind Lord Lindsay, one of the key characters in the film Chariots of Fire, played by Nigel Havers – a movie which features in Burghley’s summer night film outdoor screenings.
 
Burghley House will be dedicating its annual Treasury Exhibition to the Olympic connections and sporting achievements of the Gold medal winning Olympian. ‘An Olympian at Burghley’ will show memorabilia including his running outfit, medals and information about his sporting career.
 
And for those who want to watch the Olympics in a spectacular setting, Burghley will be throwing The Great Olympic Garden Party every day during the London Games. With the Elizabethan house as the backdrop, Burghley’s normally closed private South Gardens will host a Big Screen, showing TV coverage from Saturday 28th July to Saturday 11th August – and included for free with a normal house and gardens ticket.
 
Access to the screen will be available 10am to 10pm, last admission 6pm, with special late night tickets after 6pm at a reduced rate. A special Olympic Pass will also be available covering the whole period, while day tickets will be given as wristbands in the colours of the Olympic Rings. Visitors who collect all five will get free admission for the rest of the period.
 

A summer evening festival of outdoor screenings will feature four special film nights, launching on Saturday 28th July with iconic sports movie Chariots of Fire, followed by three other movie screenings on Wednesday 1st August, Thursday 2nd August and Friday 3rd August.
 
Fittingly for a house so closely linked to the first Elizabethan period, Burghley will also be joining in celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June, while there will once again be children’s events in summer and autumn as well as the annual free-to-enter Burghley Fine Food Markets at Easter, summer and Christmas.
 
For full details visit www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

Burghley, near Stamford in Lincolnshire, has been the home of the Cecil Family for over 400 years and is England’s greatest Elizabethan House. Burghley is owned and maintained by Burghley House Preservation Trust, which looks after a huge collection of great works of art, including one of the most important private collections of 17th century Italian paintings, the earliest inventoried collection of Japanese ceramics in the West, exceptional 18th century furniture and wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons and his followers. The Trust also maintains a 13,000-acre estate including residential, commercial and agricultural lettings, woodland and Burghley Park, which is open daily at no charge.
 
The House is open from Saturday 17th March to Sunday 28th October 2012 daily (except Fridays) from 11am to 4.30pm (Saturday 28th July to Saturday 11th August, open every day including Fridays, with Big Screen access 10am to 10pm, last admission 6pm). Admission: House and The Gardens of Surprise - adults £12.50; children (3–15 years) £6.30; seniors/students £11.20; family (2 adults & 2 children) £33.