FOCUS: The Great Exhibition 2012

The Great Exhibition 2012 is a live event happening from 28th July to 11th August 2012 in Peterborough, designed to coincide with the Olympics in London and with the aim of giving the British people a sense of belonging, a sense of hope and pride.

"People want to feel involved in making things better and if that means supporting everything British then they will. Communities are buying back their corner shops, post offices and pubs. People are uniting in their fight to save what they believe to be important. In such turbulent times, with business's closing, the high streets struggling, many facing redundancy and a general sense of failure, the British public need to believe that they can make a difference"

With the idea evolved from the original Great Exhibition in 1851 and the Festival of Britain 1951, this is an exciting opportunity for Britain to promote British industries, celebrate talents, tourism and the people that make Britain Great. 

The Great Exhibition 2012 Live event will be a celebration of all that is Great About Great Britain in a two week national celebration of British culture, society and economy. The Exhibition will be a vast space with many different zones featuring: 

• The Great British Outdoors 
• The Great British High Street 
• The Future Generation of Britain 
• The Future Footprint of Great Britain
• The Great British Stage

How can you get involved and support your region, makers and their products and be in the running to win a space at the Live Event?

By creating and putting your own Great on The Great Exhibition 2012 interactive map you can showcase your region's makers and their products. By encouraging people to vote for your Greats, Businesses can attract free exhibition space and Individuals will be invited to perform at the Live Event.

"The greats of Great Britain as voted by you, will be presented at the Live Event which will cover all aspects of British society and culture, including favourite landscapes & coastlines, attractions & architecture, industry & commerce, accents & customs, food & drink, cities, towns & villages, as well as our wealth of talented people – both famous and undiscovered – whatever you want to celebrate in your region."

UK Handmade is already a Great of Great Britain, please visit the link or click on the image below and show your support by voting! 

How do I sign up?

1. Join the Great Exhibition 2012 online community and create your own personal Greats of Great Britain. To create your own "Greats", simply register as an ambassador.
2. Once you've created your Great all you need to do is keep sharing it and encourage your community, friends and supporters to vote for you  - once your Great reaches 100 votes you are automatically in the competition with a chance of winning a space at the Live Event and most importantly the recognition of the nation. Read more here.

The Awards for a space at the Live Event in 2012 will start on the 1st of December 2011 and there are 9 categories:

1) MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

• Best in Britain Corporate manufacturer
• Best in Britain Sole trader/SME manufacturer
• Best in Britain Product

2) INVENTED IN GREAT BRITAIN

• Best in Britain Invention
• Best in Britain Inventor
• Best in Britain Entrepreneur

3) GROWN IN GREAT BRITAIN

• Best Countryside/Farm Business
• Best in Britain Food
• Best in Britain Drink

4) TRADING IN GREAT BRITAIN

• Best in Britain Corporate Business
• Best in Britain Independent Business
• Best in Britain Start up

5) INNOVATION IN GREAT BRITAIN

• Most Innovative Product
• Most Innovative Service
• Most Innovative Individual

6) UNSUNG IN GREAT BRITAIN

• Best in Britain Individual within the community
• Best in Britain Campaigner/Fundraiser
• Best in Britain Employee

7) BEST UNDISCOVERED IN BRITAIN

• Best in Britain Musician/Entertainer
• Best in Britain Designer
• Best in Britain Photographer

8) BEST OF ARTS IN BRITAIN

• Best in Britain Poet
• Best in Britain Novelist
• Best in Britain Artist

9) BEST DESTINATION IN BRITAIN

• Best British Attraction
• Best British Resort
• Best British Day Out 

All of this will then culminate in The Live Event in 2012 where the winning Greats of Great Britain will be announced. 

For more information visit the following links:

http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/greatexhibition