A FREE event of music and dance will be held in Simmons Park, Okehampton this Sunday (September 26) as part of the Cultural Olympiad to celebrate art and culture in the run up to London 2012.

Folk and community arts development charity Wren Music, which is based in Okehampton, has organised 'Feet First' from 1pm to 4pm, bringing together the arts of singing, music and dance together with sports.

During the afternoon event, people of all ages will be invited to join in an open-air ceilidh or folk dance. All steps and moves will be explained, no experience is necessary, and no special equipment or footwear is needed.

Members of Wren Music's community folk choirs and orchestras from across the county will be performing music and songs from Devon, from England and from around the world, mirroring the Olympic ideals of fraternity and celebration through participation.

Other local organisations will also be adding to the fun, including Okehampton Community Recreation Association, which will be providing a range of activities, and refreshments will be available from Okehampton Lions Club.

Artistic Director of Wren Music Marilyn Tucker is enthusiastic about the event. She said: 'We are delighted to be able to present this celebration of the Cultural Olympiad which is open to everyone and completely free.

'Thanks to the support of West Devon Borough Council, who are directly funding the event, and to our regular funders Arts Council England and Devon County Council, we hope to welcome hundreds of people to Simmons Park and to join in with the activities on offer.

'Hopefully this just will be the first, with each year growing in size and numbers of people taking part.'

Feet First is part of Count Me In! - the annual celebration of music, dance and outdoor arts developed in the South West for the Cultural Olympiad in the run-up to London 2012.