The whole world will involved in promoting the 2005 celebrations for the bicentary of the birth of Denmark/s great author Hans Christian Andersen, says the Danish Tourist Board. In order to secure global visibility for the project, the Hans Christian Andersen 2005 Foundation has linked with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Danish Tourist Board, embassies, consulates and press bureaus around the world to create a massive Danishbased cultural campaign.

Eight international personalities have already been appointed by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark as Hans Cristian Andersen Ambassadors - including singer Suzanne Vega and Brazilian football icon Pele, and actress Susan Saradon - and an award-winning Danish film director Bille August is planning a international feature film about the author.

The celebrations begin with a global TV broadcast of the opening ceremony in Denmark on 2 April, 2005 and continue through until 6 December. The programme includes everything from large-scale events, TV broadcasts, concerts, exhibitions, theatre and opera production to local activities for children, readings, fairs etc. It will be possible to follow the author`s footsteps across the country and visit the many magnificent Danish castles and manor houses often visited by the author.