London will mark the tenth anniversary of hosting the Olympic Games with the lighting of a flame as part of a day of events.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan will join Londoners in lighting an ‘Anniversary Legacy Flame’ at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on July 23.
The day will also see live performances and workshops from the V&A, the BBC and Sadler’s Wells Theatre, which are partners in the cultural and educational development of the East Bank District at the Olympic Park site.
Organizers expect thousands of visitors to attend the free event.
Mr Khan said: “In the 10 years since the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has been at the center of a massive regeneration project, the impact of which has been felt across London and throughout the UK.
“Whether through housing, culture, technology or sporting achievements, I am proud that the Olympic legacy continues to shine.”
The announcement of the event on Tuesday comes as a poll finds 81% of people think it was the right decision to invest in the games and 79% are proud of the Olympic legacy and say it has benefited the people of east London.
The Olympic Park will see many events in 2022, including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games track cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark in July and August – making the site the first sports arena in the world to host competitions for Olympic events, Paralympic, World and Commonwealth Championships in the same sport.
Lee Valley VeloPark will also be the venue for the opening of a free exhibit in April showcasing the history of the legacy of the 2012 Games. It will feature a number of exhibits including medals and torches from 2012 and cycling gear on loan from the National Paralympic Heritage Centre.
The London Aquatics Center and East Bank will also be featured during the London Festival of Architecture throughout June, along with walks, talks and events detailing the development of the area.
Lyn Garner, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation – the organization responsible for developing the region – said: “Our program of events celebrates that wonderful sporting summer of 2012 and all that has been achieved since then. And the legacy will continue for years to come, with more homes, jobs and opportunities for local people.
“It’s fantastic to see that people have such fond memories of 2012, but also appreciate the legacy that has been and continues to be created here in East London.”
