The announcement was made by the Mayor of London, The Royal Parks and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, who are all involved in staging the unique events at the three iconic locations in the English capital.

BT London Live will be free apart from the Opening and Closing Celebration Concerts at Hyde Park and is aimed at giving nearly one million people the opportunity to share the atmosphere surrounding the 2012 Olympic Games.

"London 2012 will not just be about sport – it's also about people experiencing the amazing atmosphere the games will bring to the capital," said the chief executive of BT Retail Gavin Patterson.

"Through BT London Live we'll give close to a million people a fantastic free experience this summer.

"Everyone will remember where they were when British gold medals were won – it's great that for many people, those memories will be of BT London Live."

BT London Live will see outdoor screenings of the sporting action, top-flight entertainment and the opportunity to "have a go" at free sport participation zones during every single day of the games.

Commercial rights for it have been granted to international event promoter Live Nation, allowing them to stage concerts and offer hospitality packages, food and drink concessions and merchandising opportunities, which means that there will be no cost to the taxpayer.

"We're working with amazing partners to welcome the world to a summer like no other and BT London Live will show the capital at its very best," said the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

"With live sporting action from the games and exciting free entertainment there'll be something for tourists and Londoners alike, adding to the unprecedented programme of events we're planning in every part of the city."


As a result of its sponsorship of London Live, BT customers will have 48-hour priority access for tickets for the special Opening and Closing Celebration Concerts held at Hyde Park on July 27 and August 12 via www.bt.com/londonlive.

The act for the BT London Live Closing Celebration Concert in Hyde Park will be announced this week with further acts to be announced in the coming weeks.

"Hyde Park is set to host the largest BT London Live site and The Royal Parks is looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from London, the UK and across the world to join in the celebrations," said the acting chief executive for The Royal Parks Colin Buttery.

"The summer of 2012 is going to be unforgettable and the atmosphere at BT London Live Hyde Park and throughout the capital will be electric.

"With 11 Olympic and Paralympic Games events taking place across six Royal Parks, including the Triathlon and Marathon Swimming competitions in Hyde Park, the Royal Parks is playing a key role in hosting some very exciting events."

The Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman added: "Just a javelin throw from the Olympic Park itself, BT London Live Victoria Park will give Londoners and visitors alike the chance to be at the heart of the excitement of what promises to be a fabulous 17-day period to celebrate London 2012.

"I know people across London and the UK will want to feel part of the greatest games on earth and with concerts, sporting activities and big screens all on offer at Victoria Park, there will be no shortage of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere.

"Tower Hamlets is honoured to play host to such a key event in the 2012 cultural and sporting calendar, and a landmark moment in our nation's history."

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