§ 26. Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will outline plans for the European festival of arts taking place during the British presidency of the EC.
§ Mr. MellorThe European arts festival will run for the duration of the presidency across the four countries of the United Kingdom. It will celebrate the rich European culture heritage through a wide range of more than 600 events covering all the art forms, traditional and new.
It is by design a festival with broad popular appeal. It contains something for everyone, whatever their age and tastes. It has a special emphasis on young people. All 35,000 maintained schools and the main national youth organisations have been invited to take part. It will also bring to the United Kingdom some of Europe's finest companies.
The programme for the festival is currently being printed. I shall ensure that all Members of the House receive a personal copy.