An artists impression of how the Olympic Park will look during the UEFA Champions League Festival later this year

Olympic Park to stage four-day event

East London is set to go football mad in May, as a free, four-day celebration of the beautiful game comes to a new development near the Olympic Park in Stratford.

The UEFA Champions Festival will offer a series of family friendly activities and will run from May 23-26, with the Champions League final set to take place at Wembley Stadium on May 25.

The festival will take place at the International Quarter, next to the Olympic Park.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “We are delighted that the UEFA Champions Festival is returning to London and especially that it will take place on the International Quarter close to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the scene of our biggest sporting moment.

“It will provide a fantastic week-long family event and will revive the spirit of community and celebration that made last year’s Olympic Games so special.”

Football fans and families will be able to take part in a series of free activities including having their photo take with the men’s and women’s trophies, visiting a museum dedicated to the history of the tournament and watching the ‘Ultimate Champions Match’ which is set to feature tournament legends of years gone by.

Youngsters will also be able to take part in skills clinics and coaching courses taught by professional coaches throughout the week as well as having the chance to meet former England players Faye White and Steve McManaman.

UEFA Champions League final ambassador McManaman said: “The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Stratford area came alive in the summer for London 2012 and UEFA is very proud to bring the annual UEFA Champions Festival to such a fantastic facility and offer an event that gives parents and children the opportunity to celebrate football in a truly spectacular venue with free admission for all.

“We expect everyone will be blown away by the amazing multi-event entertainment programme on offer.”

The International Quarter is described as a ‘mixed use’ development and will offer living, office and leisure space right next to the world class facilities in the Olympic Park.

Mark Dickinson, managing director of development at Lend Lease, the company behind the International Quarter said: “The International Quarter will become a vibrant new commercial hub for London.

“We are looking to attract early investment in the form of exhibitions and events this year and are delighted to work with organisations such as UEFA to ensure benefits from these events spread beyond their boundaries to communities in the surrounding areas.”

Further details regarding the exciting events on offer to fans during the week of the festival will be released in the coming weeks.