Lord Puttnam is set to receive a special gift to mark his visit to Lichfield during the 30th anniversary of Chariots of Fire.
The film producer’s visit will see him present the inaugural Lichfield Lecture as part of the Lichfield Festival before an outdoor showing of his multi-Oscar winning movie.
A scene in the film, a race around The Quadrangle at Trinity College, Cambridge, was the inspiration for sportsman Kevin Wilson to create the Lichfield Cathedral Dash – a 430-metre race around the Cathedral in the time it takes for the bells to chime 12noon.
And to mark the visit of Lord Puttnam, Kevin asked Arthur Price to make a gift to be presented.
The exact nature of the one-off item is a secret and will be presented after the Lecture and before the screening of Chariots Of Fire.
Kevin said:
“To meet Lord Puttnam is a dream come true. The producer of my favourite film, the inspiration for one of the UK’s most unusual sporting events will visit the location for the Lichfield Cathedral Dash. As soon as I heard he was coming to the city I contacted Arthur Price and asked them for their help.
“To my amazement Simon Price has gone above and beyond my expectations in creating a special one-off masterpiece which makes me very proud. I’m remaining tight-lipped but I’m sure Lord Puttnam will be delighted by his gift.”
Simon added:
“When Kevin asked me to create something for Lord Puttnam’s visit I was very honoured and felt something special was required. I hope he likes it and it will be remind him of the first Lichfield Lecture the Cathedral Dash and his visit to the city.”
This year’s Cathedral Dash takes place on July 16 with athletes from across the country aiming to beat the 58-second time – a feat achieved by less than 50 runners in the event’s history.
For more information on the race visit www.kpevents.net.
Lord Puttnam will be visiting the city on July 11 to deliver his lecture at 7pm before the film will be screened outdoors in the Cathedral Gardens at 9.30pm. Tickets can be booked at www.lichfieldfestival.org.
