Olympian Festival in Shrewsbury's Quarry Park

Shrewsbury's Quarry park was transformed into a sea of flags, banners and bunting today as a major sporting and cultural event was recreated for the first time in nearly 150 years.

More than 1,000 children from Shropshire primary schools attended the launch of the three- day Shropshire Olympian Festival – as the county celebrates its links with the modern day Olympic Games.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Shropshire MPs Daniel Kawczynski and Philip Dunne, before a mass synchronized Victorian PE drill for all participants.

Former Olympic athlete and ex-5,000 metre record holder David Moorcroft also paid a visit during today's activities and presented winners medals.

The original games were for literary and fine art entertainment and for skill and strength in athletic exercise.

In 1864 William Penny Brookes brought the Shropshire Olympian Festival to Shrewsbury from its home in Much Wenlock and it proved such a hit that the following year the National Olympic Association was established and the Olympian movement took another step towards the international event we recognise today.

Maggie Love, event co-ordinator, said the festival had got off to a great start.

She said: "We have had a whole variety of activities taking place and the children really enjoyed it."

Meanwhile, organisers of the Shrewsbury Carnival said preparations were going well ahead of tomorrow's event. Motorists are being reminded that town centre roads will be closed from 1.30pm until 4pm.