Briton Plans Biggest Exhibition for 2001

LONDON — Plans were announced in the House of Commons on Friday for Britain to stage what was described as the world’s most lavish exhibition celebrating the 21st Century.

Organizer Evan Steadman told a news conference that the show in London and other British centers will open on May 1 in the year 2001.

“It will be the greatest exhibition ever seen in history,” said the 47-year-old entrepreneur who will have reached the age of 64 if his project ever materializes.

Steadman, backed by Conservative legislator Alan Haselhurst and 2,000 trade associations throughout the country, said he is sure that successive governments and big business would support the notion of a major celebration of the new century.

“The exhibition would also honor Queen Elizabeth II who will have been 50 years on the throne when the show closes on Feb. 6, 2002,” Steadman said.

“We have 16 years left to face this challenge, and that’s not a long time. We want to outdo London’s Great Exhibition of 1851 and the Festival of Britain in 1951.”