London prepares for Olympic celebrations

With excitement for the 2012 Olympic Games building ever higher with each passing day, the residents of the nation’s capital are preparing for a four week celebration that will see a huge number of event signs, banners and posters decorate building’s and streets around London.

According to the London Evening Standard, hundreds of parties, concerts, events and similar spectacles will take place across the city throughout the Games and in the build up to the international sporting extravaganza. Huge events have been planned, from spectacular light shows at famous landmarks to live musical performances on the Thames.

During the events themselves, those unable to attend the games in person will be able to view the competition at several massive venues throughout the city. In addition to a 40,000 capacity viewing venue in Hackney and a site for 6,000 people near City Hall there will be locations at Jubilee Gardens and Kings Cross, as well as a huge 60,000 multi-screen venue in the middle of Hyde Park.

Yet these centrally organised celebrations are just the tip of the iceberg. Over the next two years, the Evening Standard says that companies, organisations and individuals based in London will be encouraged to host their own parties.

Enthusiasm for the landmark sporting event was evident earlier this week, as London Mayor Boris Johnson and Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, launched the official two-year countdown for the event. Mayor Johnson told Britons to start making their plans for a unique celebration.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Coe said: “There are two years to go until the Olympic Games begin and we want everyone to start planning their once in a lifetime experience in 2012.”