The Mayor of Swale will launch the Cultural Olympiad, a four-year national cultural programme leading up to the 2012 Olympics, this weekend.

Cllr Alan Willicombe will go to the first of a number of storytelling events called Folk Tales which will kick off at the Guildhall Museum in Queenborough today at 2pm.

Other events will take place across the Island to mark the launch.

The Blue Town Heritage Centre in High Street, Blue Town, will hold an evening of storytelling, song and film, starting at 7.30pm. On Saturday a day of heritage activities is planned from 10am to 4pm.

On Sunday there will be a an exhibition of life during the Second World War with costumed speakers and storytelling about the founder of Minster Abbey, Queen Sexburgha.

Sheppey-born painter James Allchin will display his art at the Castle Gallery, in Queenborough, from 2pm to 5pm on Friday.

On Saturday films about the changing industrial landscape of Sheppey will be shown at Cowstead Farm, in Lower Road, from 7.30pm.

All the events are free.

n For details call Catherine Herbert, Swale council's arts and heritage officer, on 01795 417426 or email catherineherbert@swale.gov.uk