Events to celebrate Northern Ireland's 2012 input

24 September 2008 -

A series of art and cultural events in Northern Ireland are set to take place this weekend (September 26th to 28th) at some of the country's most popular locations to mark its participation in the 2012 Olympic Games.

Carrickfergus Castle, Florencecourt and Castle Coole are among those taking part in the two-day event, the News Letter reports.

The open weekend was launched on Tuesday (September 23rd) by the culture and arts minister Gregory Campbell who told the news provider the games are about more than just sport.

"It is also an opportunity to learn about each others' countries and cultures … there is an inextricable link between sport, culture and education and this is the foundation on which the Cultural Olympiad is built," he said.

Among the events taking place are a music festival in Londonderry, an architectural walking tour of Victorian Belfast, a behind the scenes look at Florencecourt and a tour of the historic house Sentry Hill in Carnmoney, the publication added.

In other news, the capital city will hold the 26th Belfast Book Fair next month at the Wellington Park Hotel.