The Olympic Games will be re-created in Shropshire with a three-day festival in the heart of the county, it was revealed today.

But there will be no 100-metre sprint, triple-jump or marathon. Instead organisers of the Shrewsbury festival will seek to re-create the 1864 Games which took place in the Quarry and which helped bring Dr William Penny Brookes, to international attention.

Dr Brookes is known as the founding father of the modern Olympic Games.

The event will feature events such as catching a pig, an “old woman’s race” and putting a 28lb stone.

It will run from June 17 to 19 and will be tied in with Shrewsbury Carnival, which will double-up as the opening ceremony and feature a procession of “athletes” in period costume.

County schoolchildren will take part in the first day’s activities, with Shropshire Council putting tog ether resource packs for schools so they can find out how to take part.

Dominic Wallis, business development manager at Shropshire Council, said: “About a year ago I was handed a copy of the 1864 games’ programme. They had all of these amazing games which led to the modern version being created.

“William Penny Brookes brought the festival to Shrewsbury because it was so popular and we want to recreate that ahead of 2012.”

The games were originally held in Much Wenlock before later going to Liverpool and London and then becoming an international event. Games earmarked for the 2011 Quarry event will include running 440 yards, maypole dancing and tug of war.

Mr Wallis said: “The carnival will be much bigger than previous years because it will involve competitors as well.” He said the council would hold workshops to allow people to practise and prepare for the “Olympics”.

The final day will see people encouraged to don Victorian dress and have a go at the events, with winners being presented with medals and laurels and photographed with a Victorian camera. The games will end with a closing ceremony.

Funding has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the council with a bid being submitted to the Arts Council.

By Emma Kasprzak