She may not look a hundred years old but she is hitting a milestone anniversary next week. On Friday, 23 August 2013 The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, inspired by the fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen, celebrates her 100th birthday with festivities taking place in major cities around the world. 

The 'life' of The Little Mermaid has been anything but dull. Since the statue was created by Edvard Eriksen and placed on Langelinie, in the harbour area of Copenhagen, in 1913, the famous tourist attraction has been decapitated twice, had her arm sawn off, been painted on numerous occasions and draped in garments by political activists. Most recently, she made the trip all the way to China to serve as the centrepiece of the Danish pavilion at the 2010 Expo in Shanghai. 

The famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen once said "to travel is to live" and this is, in fact, exactly what Denmark's best known icon intends to do when celebrating her centenary. On Friday, 23 August 'live mermaids' will appear at famous attractions and landmarks in major cities around the world including Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Sydney, Shanghai and Stockholm. 

In London, The Little Mermaid (impersonated by Miss Denmark 2013, Miss Iris Thomsen) will visit the EDF Energy London Eye on the South Bank at 10 am and in Copenhagen 100 mermaids will jump into the water at Langelinie to form the number 100. 

For more information on the events taking place to celebrate the 100th birthday visit www.visitcopenhagen.com/thelittlemermaid and www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/catch-mermaid-near-you-23-august-2013-0

To win a 7 night holiday for two to Denmark with Radisson Blu and VisitDenmark, take a photograph of the mermaid or your interpretation of the mermaid and share it on Instagram or Twitter using #littlemermaid100 or visit www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/little-mermaid-competition  
 
####

For further press information contact Kathrine Lind Gustavussen at VisitDenmark on 0207 201 3970 or email klg@visitdenmark.com  

VisitDenmark will bring you more info and ready to use images as well as a VNR of the celebrations from all over the world on Friday, 23 August. 

Infographic with fourteen fun facts about The Little Mermaid: www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/little-mermaid-infographic  

For pictures and updates search #littlemermaid100 on Instagram and Twitter. 

Pictures of The Little Mermaid for editorial use: www.copenhagenmediacenter.com/#/search/?query=The%20little%20mermaid&query_type=text&categories=&formats=&tags=&media_type=photo&=undefined&page=2 & Photo
Credit: Ramus Flindt Pedersen

With special thanks to EDF Energy London Eye