PEOPLE from across the north west are being invited to take an Olympic-inspired cultural journey from Old Trafford Stadium to The Quays on May 19.

The event will see the area around Old Trafford and The Quays transformed - linking culture and sport and London 2012 to the North West as part of the cultural Olympiad programme in the region.

'Looping the Loop' marks the start of Games Time in the North West and coincides with the beginning of the Olympic Torch Relay in the UK.

The event, which runs from 12.30pm to 5pm, begins at Old Trafford, visitors will then be invited to loop the loop from there to The Quays to experience unique street art, performance and dance.

Community groups from across Salford and Trafford will be showcasing their creativity and will be joined by regional and international artists including art and sport interactions with plenty of opportunity for visitors to get involved too.

The day will come to a climax when one of the UK’s major event producers and creative forces - Walk the Plank - will lead a world class spectacle focused around the water and the Lowry foot bridge. The finale will also include the unveiling of an Olympic-inspired artwork which will remain in place on the bridge for the duration of the Games.

Debbie Lander, Arts Council England's 2012 creative programmer for the north west, said: "The Games is a fantastic opportunity to get people across the UK involved in activities they have never tried or experienced before. Looping the Loop will give people across the north west the chance to be part of London 2012 and mark the start of Games Time in a unique way. This is an excellent example of an event for everyone, placing culture at the heart of our Games."