The iconic Windsor Castle will be spectacularly illuminated to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Rowing competition at Eton Dorney. A stunning image projection will run over four nights from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 August.
The Olympic Rowing competition is taking place at Eton Dorney Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake and is on course to feature extraordinary displays of power and passion on the world-class waters whilst welcoming 25,000 spectators for each event day.
With the generous permission of Her Majesty The Queen, Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world will provide a backdrop for the spectacular which will showcase images portraying energy, determination, exaltation and exhaustion of past and present Rowers who have pushed themselves to the ultimate achievement.
The image projections – which run on each of the four evenings between 9.45 and 11.59pm, were launched at a special event this evening. The projections provide one element of a wider ‘look and feel’ programme for Eton Dorney and communities throughout the area.
Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair said:
“Windsor Castle is an iconic landmark and I’m delighted it is providing a stunning backdrop to the Olympic Rowing competition and the worlds’ greatest athletes”.
Cllr Colin Rayner, Mayor of the Royal Borough, said:
“We are greatly honoured that Her Majesty The Queen has allowed us to stage this amazing light projection as a centrepiece of the 2012 celebrations across the Eton Dorney area.
“It will be a superb focus for everyone in Windsor over the four evenings – residents and visitors alike – and we hope everyone will enjoy this stunning display.”
The ‘look and feel’ initiative in the Eton Dorney area is part of a programme to encourage communities to welcome the Games and inspire the public to join in the nationwide celebrations. Life-size Olympic and Paralympic mascots Wenlock and Mandeville have also been placed around Windsor, Maidenhead, Slough and South Bucks whilst the communities and high streets have been dressed in London 2012 flags and bunting.