As teams start to head towards Arendal from their European bases, the organisers of the BMW Norwegian Grand Prix, 17-19 July, are gearing up to deliver a week-long extravaganza of entertainment and powerboat racing.

With the Class 1 Edox Speed Run, three official practice sessions, Edox Pole Position and the new two-race format dominating the on-water activity, the NGP organisers, despite the difficult current financial climate, have pulled out all the stops to provide a raft of activities on-shore. "We believe this year's event will be bigger and better than ever before," said event coordinator Per Carsten Michelsen. "It has not been easy in the present climate, but the town and all the people of Arendal are passionate about this event and have got behind it once again.

"This year, we have put all the activities into the heart of the town and have worked closely with all the restaurants and shop owners - everything is geared to work hand-in-hand with them and to make them an integral part of the event."

Norway's largest daily newspaper VG, kick-start proceedings with their summer road-show on the Wednesday, with a wide range of activities including rock and classical concerts taking place each day, along with water boarding displays in a specially constructed 80-metre tank and activity areas for the younger powerboat fans.

For the second year, the organisers will truck thousands of tons of snow down from the mountains to create a mid-summer alpine resort in the centre of town for the cross-country and ski-jumping competitions. Norway's famous rallying brotherhood, former World Champion Petter Solberg and brother Henning will entertain the crowds off and on the water, with the spectators being introduced to the Class 1 pilots after Arendal's spectacular boat parade around the harbour on the Friday.

For more information visit www.ngpoffshore.com