Huge boost for footie fans as UK to host FOUR-DAY Champions League festival ahead of Wembley final
LONDON will host a four-day festival at five locations across the city ahead of the Champions League final in Wembley.
The grand finale of the prestigious European club competition is returning to the capital for the first time since 2013.
Today, Sadiq Khan unveiled plans for the “family-friendly” celebration in the run-up to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid‘s clash on Saturday, June 1.
The festival will include concerts, community events, and, of course, a lot of football.
Events will be planned across five central London locations.
It will take place at Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Somerset House, Potters Fields Park and South Bank.
Festivities will kick off on Thursday, May 30, in Trafalgar Square as the Champions League trophy is welcomed to London.
The square will then be filled with inflatable football activities, a five-aside mini pitch and food stalls.
This will be followed by a headline performance from Hackney’s Rudimental on Friday May 31.
The show will be powered by the movement of dancing fans through a “kinetic dancefloor” before the night culminates with a DJ set by Faithless.
Regent Street will be pedestrianised between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus for the last two days of May to enable penalty shootout challenges and other activities.
Meanwhile, Champions League legends from around the globe will be at Somerset House showcasing their skills in a five-a-side tournament.
At Potters Fields Park, by Tower Bridge, a giant inflatable UEFA Champions League trophy will greet visitors, with interactive installations and activities continuing along the South Bank.
It is hoped the festival, which ends on June 2, will attract many Londoners as well as the tens of thousands of travelling fans for the two teams.
Uefa’s general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, said: “Festival-goers 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.”
Mr 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.”
Transport for London has advised travellers that public transport is likely to be very busy on Saturday, June 1, particularly the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines.
The Metropolitan Police have meanwhile said they will be working closely with UEFA, the FA, Wembley Stadium, local authorities and other emergency services, to ensure the safety of fans and festival-goers.
