December 6, Vitebsk /Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. The ancient Russian cities of Veliky Novgorod, Rostov Veliky, and Smolensk will take part in the celebration of the 1150th anniversary of Polotsk. The administrations of these cities, which are contemporaries of the Belarusian jubilee, have already confirmed their participation, Elena Astapova, Head of the Culture Department of the Polotsk City Executive Committee, told a BELTA correspondent. Novgorod, Rostov, and Smolensk do not intend to limit themselves to official delegations at the celebrations. They have expressed a desire to bring their best creative groups – folk orchestras and dance ensembles. As Elena Astapova noted, Polotsk's partner cities, of which the ancient city has 18, have also responded actively to the invitation. Guests will bring with them folk artisans who will take part in the crafts fair. The concept of the celebration and sketches of the symbolism have been submitted for consideration by the republican organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the 1150th anniversary of Polotsk, headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Anatoly Tozik. According to Elena Astapova, the concept is based on three main ideas: Polotsk – the cradle of Belarusian statehood, Polotsk – a spiritual, educational, and cultural centre, Polotsk – a modern European city. Several dozen amateur and professional artists took part in an open competition to create sketches of the holiday's symbolism. Three works passed the preliminary selection and have been submitted for consideration by the republican organizing committee. As previously reported, UNESCO has included the 1150th anniversary of Polotsk in the calendar of memorable dates for 2012-2013. In this regard, the city will have the opportunity to hold an exhibition in its honour at the headquarters of this international organisation in Paris. The preliminary date for the exhibition is October 2012. Preparations for the exhibition, which will include photographs telling about the past and present of the ancient Belarusian city, have now begun. Also, with the participation of UNESCO, an international conference dedicated to this significant event will be held in Polotsk.