Watch the Olympics at Screens in London Parks in Mayfair and Belgravia
Everyone's hoping for fine weather during the London 2012 Olympics. Whilst the biggest concern remains the games – nobody wants their favourite Olympics event to be a washout – we’re also hoping that the sun stays out so we can enjoy sports, picnics and entertainment in London’s leafy parks.
Olympics Screens and the Best Places to Watch the Action
Watching the events on large screens via live BBC broadcast is the next best thing to being in the Olympic park stadium itself. For many, it might even be preferable – particularly those with young children who will benefit from the additional entertainment if they're too young to appreciate the Olympic games themselves. These Olympics park venues will boast concert-quality sound systems as well as outdoor cultural offerings and activities – with many families heading to Mayfair and Belgravia, where the nearby Hyde Park promises the richest entertainment offerings of all.
Olympics Activities and the Best Ways to get Involved
Some Olympic venues will be offering 'have-a-go' sports sessions, where you can have a go at an Olympics event – you might not come home with a medal, but you’ll be left with cherished memories of a great Olympic family day out.
Olympics in the Park
Those visiting Mayfair and Belgravia on a budget – or those who love dining al fresco – can pack up the hamper and blanket and spend the day picking over a picnic, watching sports, and having fun with family and friends. Local shops close to the parks will offer a wide selection of picnic foods to choose from, so you can stock up on drinks, sandwiches and other nibbles.
Olympic Venues and Screens in Mayfair and Belgravia
The largest viewing screen in the UK will be in Hyde Park – just north of Belgravia and to the west of Mayfair. Not only will the screens display the London 2012 medal events, but there will also be live music and cultural entertainment. Tickets can be pre-booked, which guarantee entry to the park before 2pm – and with a ticket allocation of four tickets per person, it’s easy to get the whole family involved. Coverage of the games is scheduled between July 28 and August 11.
If you’re looking for a slightly more relaxing afternoon of entertainment, then head down to Summer in the Square. Organised by Grosvenor in partnership with Royal Parks, these fun-packed family events take place in the tranquil setting of Grosvenor Square, Mayfair between July 26 and August 12.
There will be music and theatrical shows in the afternoons, as well as games such as croquet, bowls, table tennis, chess, giant Jenga and giant Connect 4. Children's entertainment will be available on weekends, and mouth-watering refreshments will be available every day of the week. All the games, activities and entertainment is free to visitors and there is no need to book. Deck chairs will also be available to sit and watch the lunchtime and early evening shows on the stage in Grosvenor Square.
Olympic Venues and Screens Elsewhere in London
Trafalgar Square is set to be a popular venue at which to celebrate the 2012 Paralympics. The giant screen that will broadcast the events to the audience takes up an enormous 60 square metres, and will show Channel 4's live coverage of the games between 11.00am and 11.30pm every day. For those that get swept up in the athletic spirit, there’ll be some Olympics games to try out too. Unlike some other venues, tickets are not needed as the event is free to everyone – but bear in mind that admittance is on a first come, first served basis.
Over in Tower Hamlets, Victoria Park offers a slightly more modest Olympics experience than Hyde Park or Trafalgar Square – but its programme of events still promises to deliver hours of family Olympics fun. Two small screens and two giant screens display the games, and sports sessions are available for energetic onlookers, along with a variety of paid attractions such as a zip wire. Evening concerts take the fun right into the night.