Dover will be a blaze of fire and light to celebrate the launch of the national Cultural Olympiad.

The four years leading up to London 2012 will promote "the best of British" culture to the world.

On Friday, September 26, the harbour will be the site of Light Up Dover - a dramatic and ground-breaking fire show remembering and celebrating the town’s rich history and recognising the Kent campaign to welcome the Olympic torch relay into the UK through Dover as it did at the last UK Games in 1948.

The show will also launch the Open Up weekend of activities, with a range of sights and attractions for local people and visitors to the town.

The event has been organised by the Kent Campaign for the 2012 Games - a partnership led and managed by Kent County Council’s sport, leisure and olympics service.

The spectacular display will start at around 8pm with Dover’s harbour animated by a magnificent pyrotechnic show, culminating in a great celebration of fire and the torch – linking the sea, the harbour, and the white cliffs.

KCC cabinet member responsible for the Kent Campaign for the 2012 Games Mike Hill said: “This is an opportunity to celebrate Dover and its heritage and the part the town can play in the London 2012 Games.

"We are very grateful for Arts Council England’s support for this innovative event which will show how passionately Kent feels about the Dover torch campaign and supporting London 2012."

Executive director of Arts Council England, South East Felicity Harvest said: “Dover is the gateway to England and the last Olympic torch arrived in the country via its famous port 60 years ago.

"We welcome Dover and Kent's enthusiasm to show their potential to once again receive the Olympic torch in 2012."

Dover District Council cabinet member for community, citizenship and sport Julie Rook said: "This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate Dover’s world-class heritage and iconic coastline, and to highlight the major role the town can play in supporting London 2012."