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The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Weymouth and Portland will host all sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games between July and September 2012.

The Olympic Games take place from 27 July to 12 August and the Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September.

The sea off Dorset’s coast and specifically around Weymouth Bay is a world class sailing destination with the sailing waters being credited by the Royal Yachting Association as the best in Northern Europe.

The sailing events take place from the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Cultural Olympiad

Dorset’s four year Cultural Olympiad Festival started on the weekend of 26 - 28 September 2008 in Weymouth and Portland, with the spectacular ‘Veles e Vents' (Inside Out) event, the B-Side festival, the ‘Pulse FX' performance (Dance South West) and the ‘Bandstand Marathon'.

Events programmed for 2010 - 2012

Youth Nationals - 4 to 9 April 2010

Spirit of the Sea - 3 to 16 July 2010
The 2010 Spirit Festival will celebrate the areas rich maritime and cultural relationship with the sea, featuring a fascinating diversity of prestigious events and entertainment.

London 2012 Open Weekend - 23 to 25 July 2010  
Throughout the Borough, a UK wide celebration countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sail for Gold Regatta - 8 to 14 August 2010

B-Side - 17 to 26 September 2010
B-Side Multi Media Festival - Various locations throughout the Borough.  B-Side (the seaside) multi media festival gives an opportunity for artists based in the South West to respond to various locations in Weymouth and Portland using film, projections, performance, sound and new technology.  There is an emphasis on young and emerging artists, innovative ideas and thought-provoking work.  www.b-side.org.uk

"Count me in" - 24 to 26 September 2010
A Region wide celebration of culture, a new annual festival for the South West Region.  Music, dance and street arts.

Sail for Gold Regatta - 5 to 11 June 2011

IFDS Worlds - 1 to 8 July 2011

Olympic Test Event - 31 July to 13 August 2011

Sail for Gold Regatta - 10 to 16 June 2012

The Olympic Games - 27 July to 12 August 2012

The Paralympic Games - 29 August to 9 September 2012