Have you ever wondered what treasures might lie beneath the parks and gardens in your local community? Your curiosity may soon be indulged as one of 200 archaeological digs could be happening on a patch of land near you.

Dig & Sow will allow members of the public to take part in a mass region-wide archaeological excavation in search of traces and fragments of home.

The digs are all part of On Landguard Point, a specially-commissioned programme run by Pacitti Company for Artists taking the lead – a project at the heart of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad funded by Arts Council England.

On Landguard Point comprises a series of extraordinary events taking place across the East of England this year, engaging thousands of people as participants and audiences, in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. All of the events that make up On Landguard Point will be part of a new feature film that will premiere in 2012. Inspired by the histories and culture of the East, the On Landguard Point film will be a mix of live performance, community and cinema.

Time Team’s Dr. Carenza Lewis and her team at Access Archeology Cambridge will oversee the digs in six locations, one in each county across the East of England, opening 34 test-pit sites to run more than 200 digs in private and community back gardens.

These digs will take place between 3 September and 16 October 2011. Further information on the digs will soon be available on the On Landguard Point website. For further information or if you have any questions please contact the project on 0207 488 0800 or at info@onlandguardpoint.com.

Other events

From 23-25 September, The Felixstowe Weekender will bring together a variety of different On Landguard Point events across Felixstowe, and in and around Landguard Fort. The weekend includes live performances, talks, a tea dance, installation, and an artist’s event.

One of the Weekender events will be the world premiere performance of On Landguard Point, a new musical work that will form the soundtrack to the On Landguard Point film.

The music is the work of award-winning British composer Michael Nyman, and will be performed at the Felixstowe Spa Pavilion at 7.30pm on Friday 23 September by the Michael Nyman Band with singer Marie Angel. Audiences can also expect to hear some of Michael’s well-known compositions, spanning his collaboration with Peter Greenaway, to recent film music and more. Tickets, £17.50, concessions £12.50, limited early bird offer £10. Please call 01394 282126 to book direct or visit the Spa Pavilion website for more information.

Also part of the Weekender will be A Landguard Tea Dance on Saturday 24 September at Landguard Fort. The aim is to bring local seniors and younger people together to share old time dancing, sandwiches and cake. Old time dancing lessons will be provided, as will afternoon tea, plus free transport to and from the Fort for those that need it. To register your interest, email On Landguard Point.

For more information on other events happening as part of On Landguard Point go to the Events section of the website.

Robert Pacitti, Director of Pacitti Company, said: ‘On Landguard Point is a collaboration between artists and residents who live in the East of England. It will present many opportunities for the public to explore the meaning of home whilst experiencing a project that draws on the histories, cultures, geography and stories that can only be found in the extraordinary setting of the East. It’s a chance for residents to be a part of our project’s legacy. On Landguard Point is very much an East of England adventure in real life and film.’

Parminder Dosanjh, Relationship Manager for Diversity in Arts Practice, said: ‘These events are a fantastic opportunity for communities from across the East of England to come together and share their experiences of and passion for their home. The Arts Council works to get great art to everyone and On Landguard Point is a truly inclusive project that encapsulates the spirit of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.’