The project to stage a unique performance at the London Palladium has been awarded the prestigious accreditation having met the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in terms of promoting respect, excellence, friendship and equality.

The show titled Inspiration promises to be a breathtaking spectacular with Havering College students and pupils from east London schools performing in the West End alongside the characters from Sesame Street’s live touring show, Elmo Makes Music.

The event is designed to be inspiring, stimulating, participative and accessible. It will bring together young people from Havering College and schools in the London boroughs of Havering, Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham. Participating schools from Havering include Emerson Park School, Bower Park School, Ravensbourne School, Corbets Tey School, Gidea Park Primary School and Ardleigh Green Primary School, local performing arts schools and others.

The project is the brainchild of Havering College lecturer in Music Peter Dayson whose previous musical productions have won international awards.

Mr Dayson, who is based at the Havering College Ardleigh Green Campus Centre for Creative Arts in Hornchurch, Essex, said: “To gain Inspire Mark recognition for our project is a very exciting achievement for the college. We are delighted to receive this award from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We are extremely proud to be part of the Cultural Olympiad and believe the production will inspire our young people and leave a legacy of ambition beyond 2012.”

Colin Arthey, headteacher of Corbets Tey School in Upminster, said: “We are delighted that our special young people will be able to take part in this wonderful project, singing and signing at the London Palladium and Havering College. They will find it absolutely inspirational and will definitely bring the house down.”

Hayley Bloomfield, deputy headteacher at St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, Chadwell Heath, said: “We are looking forward to this event which will provide a memorable legacy of London 2012 for our children.”

Peter McPartland, headteacher of Dagenham’s Trinity School, said: “To perform on stage in a West End theatre is a rare and exciting opportunity that many children can only dream of. But for the children of Trinity school it is an opportunity to tackle and overcome some of the challenges and barriers that they face every day. This is a remarkable project which is inclusive, enabling and truly inspiring.”

Seb Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “Inspiration is encouraging young people to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Havering College, we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in the cultural arts.”

Inspiration will bring together 250 young people from the age of six upwards, including performers with severe learning or physical challenges, in a music, dance, fashion and performance art spectacular.

Havering residents will be invited to apply for free tickets to two preview performances in The Space at the Havering College Ardleigh Green Campus on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Details of how to register for tickets will be announced shortly.

The main show at the London Palladium on Monday, March 26, 2012 will see the cast performing on stage with 16 characters from Elmo Makes Music including Big Bird, Elmo and Bert. The Havering College Staff Choir will also be taking part.

The round one sale of tickets for the London Palladium will be directed at the families of participating students from all the schools. Any remaining tickets will then be offered for general sale.

For further information on Inspiration call Peter Dayson on 01708 462740.