A Kent town 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 - and on Friday, September 26, Dover harbour will be the site of Light Up Dover.

The dramatic and ground-breaking fire show will remember and celebrate the town's rich history and recognise 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 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 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.

Cllr Mike Hill, KCC cabinet member responsible for the Kent Campaign for the 2012 Games, 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."

But Dover is not on its own in hoping to play a part in the 2012 relay. Cross-Channel rail operator Eurotunnel is putting itself forward to host one of the legs.

Spokesman Charlotte Brookes said: "It would be the first time a flame went under water in a tunnel - so it would be unique and would represent the innovative nature of the 2012 Games.

"It would be a fantastic benefit to the county and the towns located around the tunnel."

• Audio: Charlotte Brookes speaks to kmfm's Jo Sword >>>