dealchecker’s on Olympic Watch!
With only 85 days left to go, the long-awaited Olympics are fast-approaching and the excitement is growing by the second. What’s new with the Olympics this week?
Footy Fever
Football fans do not fear. With the end of the regular football season coming to a close we are set for a summer of sizzling football action, with England at Euro 2012 bound to be a major highlight followed by the likes of David Beckham representing an all British team at the Olympics. The rest of the tickets for the London 2012 Olympic football tournament went on sale on Monday and they stay on sale until 11pm this Sunday 6th May, or until they have all sold out, so grab yours while you can!
This is bound to catch the attention of the whole of Britain and not just those living in and around London as, besides Wembley, the football is taking place at the City of Coventry Stadium, St. James’ Park in Newcastle, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and of course Old Trafford in Manchester. So it’s true, the Olympics are taking place across the whole country, not just in London.
Millennium Stadium – Image by Dan Kamminga
Not Just A Sporting Games
The announcement this week of a music concert at Hyde Park to mark the start of the Olympics created much excitement. The 27th of July concert will showcase British talent from all four corners of the UK, with Britpop band Duran Duran representing England. Paolo Nutini will represent Scotland, Snow Patrol will represent Northern Ireland and the Stereophonics will be rocking out for Wales.
Tickets go on sale today (4th of May) for this exciting event which marks a summer of Olympic celebrations showcasing a variety of art forms, including art, film, fashion and comedy, proving that you don’t just have to like sport to enjoy the Olympics.
Duran Duran – Image by Earl McGehee
Final Preparations
The final London 2012 test events are taking place this week, with the British women’s Olympic hockey team winning their first game 1-0 in their test event. Over 140,000 spectators will also watch sports such as Wheelchair Tennis, Water Polo and Athletics in preparation for what is expected to be the safest Olympic Games ever.
Medal Madness
News emerged this week that the all-important Olympic medals have been made and the Paralympic medals are in their final stages of production. A special team at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, South Wales have been working on them for months. You can see the interesting footage here – it’s almost as good as watching chocolate being made!
Olympic Medals on display at the British Museum – Image by p_a_h
Has that whet your appetite for the Olympics? Check out our TravelTips page for ideas of great places to go in London, and compare prices for hotels in the heart of the action here.
