Mayor announces plans for four-day UEFA Champions Festival

 

• Festival will include concerts, community events, and, of course, a lot of football.
• UEFA Champions Festival takes place across Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Somerset House, Potters Fields Park and South Bank.  
• UEFA Champions League final returns to London for first time since 2013.

 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has hailed London’s status as the sporting capital of the world as the city prepares to host European club football’s biggest game for a record eighth time.

 

The UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, will take place at Wembley on 1 June forming the centrepiece of a four-day, family-friendly UEFA Champions Festival. This will take place across five central London locations between Thursday 30 May and Sunday 2 June.

 

Festivities will kick off on Thursday 30 May at Trafalgar Square as the Mayor welcomes the UEFA Champions League trophy to London, before the square becomes a hub of family activities. This will be followed by an exclusive headline performance by Hackney’s Rudimental on Friday night (1), with the show powered by the movement of dancing fans through a cutting edge ‘kinetic dancefloor’. Thursday’s festivities will culminate with  a DJ set by Faithless.

 

Meanwhile, Somerset House courtyard will be transformed into the home of footballing royalty as it hosts the Ultimate Champions Tournament, bringing together former UEFA Champions League legends from around the globe to showcase their skills in a 5-a-side tournament. The UEFA Champions Pitch will also host community groups and schools from across London, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join in the celebrations.  

 

The UEFA Champions Festival will also come to Regent Street on 30 and 31 May, with a two-day takeover pedestrianising the iconic thoroughfare from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus. Fans will have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities, including penalty shootout challenges.

 

Visitors to Potters Fields Park, next to Tower Bridge, will be greeted by a giant inflatable UEFA Champions League trophy, providing a striking backdrop for photo opportunities and immersive experiences that celebrate the grandeur of the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition. These interactive installations will continue along the South Bank, with a range of activities for visitors to take part in.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “ London is the sporting capital of the world and so it’s fitting that we are hosting the UEFA Champions League final.

“I am proud that Europe’s biggest match will take place in London and delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to experience the thrill of this special competition through the UEFA Champions Festival.

“This is the start of an incredible sporting summer for London and a key part of our work to build a better London for everyone.”

Theodore Theodoridis, UEFA General Secretary, said: “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the UEFA Champions Festival, right in the heart of central London, as we celebrate the end of another fantastic football season and crown the next UEFA Champions League winner.

 

“Festivalgoers will enjoy a wide array of family-friendly entertainment, creating memories that will last a lifetime ahead of what is sure to be another epic encounter at the iconic Wembley Stadium.”

 

Chief Superintendent Joe McDonald, who will be part of the command team overseeing policing in London during the weekend of the UEFA Champions League final, said: “The eyes of the sporting world will once again focus on London and our officers will be there to ensure this is a memorable week. We have been working closely with a number of partners including UEFA, FA, Wembley Stadium, local authorities and other blue light emergency services.

 

“Throughout the week there will be a number of events building up to the Champions League final, we advise anyone who will be in central London to plan ahead.

 

“If you do see anything suspicious throughout the week at one of the events please do not hesitate to speak with an officer or steward.”

 

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew. said: “The UEFA Champions League final is a special moment in the sporting calendar, and I am delighted Wembley is playing host to Europe's premier club football teams.

"The UK has a brilliant track-record of hosting some of the world's biggest sporting competitions, and the Champions Festival will see London coming alive for a four-day, family-friendly festival of fun."

 

The Mayor of London is working closely with all relevant authorities to ensure a safe and secure experience for all fans and visitors. Transport for London have advised travellers that public transport is likely to be very busy on 1 June, particularly the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. Customers are advised to seek alternative travel routes.