London,
09
July
2012
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney gears up for Games time entertainment

Hackney Residents will be able to follow all the excitement and drama of the Olympic Games at a live broadcast in Haggerston Park. A big screen will be open seven days a week, from 11.30am untill the day's competition ends.

The screen will be available for the duration of the Games, from 27 July to 12 August. Residents will be able to watch live sport in the company of friends, family and neighbours whilst taking part in a range of activities including athletics, cricket, football, aerobics, dance and wheelchair sports.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic torch in the borough on Saturday, 21 July, the One Hackney Festival will present a full day of events across the whole borough so every resident can join in the celebrations.

Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said:


"The arrival of the Olympic torch will be a momentous occasion and I'm sure that residents and the One Hackney Festival will give it a fitting welcome.


"We're determined to ensure residents have as many opportunities as possible to be part of the Games and, alongside the thousands of tickets we've been able to secure for local people, this festival is the first in a series of events that will make sure Games time is special for everyone in Hackney who wants to take part."


A major highlight of the torch's first day in London will be the spectacular One Hackney Festival parade, which starts at Shoreditch Park at 10.30am and arrives at Clissold Park at 1.50pm. Torch organisers are advising London boroughs that crowd numbers have been much greater than expected, and that interest in seeing the flame is growing as it nears London.


The One Hackney Festival parade can be viewed anywhere along its 2.8 mile route, but entry to the Clissold Park event will be by free ticket only to prevent overcrowding. Tickets are available from: www.hackney.gov.uk/one-festival. Or call Hackney Empire box office on: 020 8985 2424.