WITH our superb environment and an international reputation for watersports and sailing, it’s no accident that Poole produces talent on the water.

Whilst the Olympics is the culmination of sporting excellence, each year over 100 national and international watersport events and activities take place in Poole’s harbour and bay.

As well as supporting its own Olympic competitors Annie Lush, Kate and Lucy McGregor competing in the Elliot 6m Women’s Match Racing Poole in August, Poole will be high on the international scene with the International Paint Poole Regatta, on June 2-4 seeing three days of racing action taking place in Poole Harbour.

This is followed by Poole 29er National Grand Prix Sailing from June 30 to July 1 where spectators will get a taste of Olympic action as the best UK young sailors launch from Shore Road in a major two person skiff event and create a must see spectacle in Poole Bay. But it’s not just about sport, 2012 will see a wealth of cultural events taking place too.

Poole‘s Olympic celebrations are starting early with the unique concert for the Twin Sails Bridge on March 9.

The celebration concert will see the BSO performing and give a preview of new music for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, performed by the Coastal Voices community choir.

Tickets have gone for this but anyone missing out can join in the free celebrations later in the evening on Poole Quay. From 6.30-8.30pm, Poole’s Lower High Street and Quay will be ablaze as Brilliance lights up Poole with illuminated art works from local artists including an illuminated flower forest and electric goldfish and from 7pm live music, street entertainment and a firework finale at 9pm.

Brilliance will be lighting up Poole for all to see on March 9-11 so make sure you catch this unique event whilst you can.

For more information about events in the run up to the Olympics visit pooletourism.

com or to get involved in community events contact recreation.development@poole.gov.uk.

Graham Richardson, Poole Tourism Manager