POSTED: June 8th 2012

NewsUpdate

London Mayor Johnson gets ready for a summer like no other

LAURA WALDEN / Sports Features Communications

June 8 – London Mayor Boris Johnson announced today that the city is unfurling banners and bunting today as final preparations get started for the summer Olympics in just weeks.

Johnson, said, “With less than 50 days to go before the greatest show on earth I am delighted that London is getting spruced up to show why it's the best city in the world in which to live, visit and invest.

“The Diamond Jubilee showed just how fantastic the city can look during a celebration and the Games will offer another superb opportunity to capture people’s imaginations and make them feel part of this once in a lifetime event.

“Whether it’s the splash of colour from banners and bunting, or the surprise of giant ambient javelins or tea-making machines, London will be an enchanting place to be this summer like no other.”

The boroughs now begin to decorate their town centers, high-streets, squares, railway stations and other landmark locations with banners, bunting and more.

The Mayor also revealed that visitors can expect some eye-catching architectural installations like giant shot-putts and javelins, plus interactive attractions as part of his city-wide ‘Look and Celebration’ program.

There will be dozens of free cultural events taking place in every London borough as well. More than 6,000 colourful lamppost banners, almost 25 kilometres of bunting - equivalent to more than 2,000 Routemaster buses - and 638sq metres of building decorations will be on display.

Seb Coe, head of London 2012, said, “We are about to find out what it feels like to be an Olympic City and it’s going to be very special indeed. 

“London’s reputation as a global destination is already assured, but with the Mayor’s fantastic scheme to dress London this summer I believe people around the UK and around the world will look at our city and say ‘I want to be there’.”

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, added, "This year is set to be an amazing and special time in Newham's history. It's important that we grab this opportunity with both hands and show the rest of the world that our borough will be the place to be in 2012."

Key architectural installation include:

•        ‘Gifts from the Gods’ – in recognition of the Games’ ancient Greek heritage, giant replica shot-puts and javelins will appear at more than a dozen locations across the city.

•       ‘Universal Tea Machine’ – a giant tea making machine at Victoria Park that will allow people to choose the component ingredients for the perfect cup of tea.

•       ‘Alga(e)zebo – a large, decorative and plant-filled canopy that facilitates the production of bio-fuel from algae and cyanobacteria in Euston Square.

•       ‘Streetscape Carousels’ – cylindrical, revolving pavilions with laser cut stylised skylines that showcase the landscape and buildings of different parts of the capital using light and shadow.

•       ‘Song Board’ – a multi-sensory interactive wall installation at Kings Cross station that will allow people to create patterns and sounds by turning black and white spheres.

Keywords · London 2012 · Boris Johnson

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