Churches urged to light up for 2012

Churches are being invited to be at the heart of the build up to the Olympic Games in Suffolk by changing the colour of their floodlights to reflect the colours of London 2012 when the Olympic flame arrives.

Suffolk Shines is part of Suffolk County Council’s campaign to ensure Suffolk maximizes the benefits of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In a joint project with the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the project will enable churches with existing floodlights to apply lighting ‘gels’ that will temporarily change the colour of their buildings at night into the London 2012 colours of purple, orange, yellow, green or light blue.

Bishop Nigel expressed his support for the project. ‘The Olympic and Paralympic games are events for all the nation, and it is very good that the Diocese can work with Suffolk County Council in celebrating all that they bring,’ he said.

Suffolk County Council is applying for the Inspire Mark which, if successful, would make Suffolk Shines an official Olympic-inspired activity.

The Games have inspired a range of activities across the county in volunteering, sport, education, business and culture.

It is hoped churches will take up this opportunity to be part of the London 2012 celebrations beginning in July, and concluding in September.

‘Our magnificent historic church buildings are already prominent in the landscape and many are lit up at night,’ said Marion Welham, Church Buildings and Tourism Officer. ‘We now have a wonderful opportunity to temporarily change the lighting to reflect the colours of London 2012. More than one colour can be achieved if churches are feeling adventurous and no special permission is required.’

Adam Baker, Suffolk Project Manager for the London 2012 Games, said: ‘Suffolk Shines is an opportunity to mark this once in a lifetime moment in an unexpected and exciting way across Suffolk by creating an effect that would place Suffolk's historic churches at the heart of things at Games time, by effectively creating a series of beacons across the county.’

Any church buildings interested in exploring the potential of participating in this exciting project, should contact Rosa Juarez at Suffolk County Council on 01473 265506.

Published by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and reproduced with permission.