The start of a new year is always special but 2022 promises to be even better, particularly for us here at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

It will mark 10 years since the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held in London and eight years since the Park was opened to the public.

In that time, the Park has had been visited by nearly 40 million people, played host to world class sport and entertainment events, seen thousands of new homes created in the wider area and has attracted leading businesses to this part of London which in turn has provided opportunities for east Londoners.

The Park continues to serve thousands of people every day and played an important role during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and for much of this year – a sanctuary for those who needed space to safely roam when lockdown restrictions were at their most severe.

Indeed, our most recent research showed that more than ever before the Park is being used by those who live locally and choose to call it home.

2021 was a year where the Park welcomed back the public and the venues opened their doors once again.

The London Blossom Garden, situated near Timber Lodge in the north of the Park, built to commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic while honouring the role of essential workers, was opened by the Mayor of London and is now a focal point for many who visit us.

Progress continues to be made on the East Bank development, one of the world’s largest and most ambitious culture and education districts which will bring an additional 1.5million visitors to the Park and surrounding area each year, and more than 2,500 jobs will be created by East Bank – generating an estimated £1.5 billion for the local economy. Next September will also see the opening of the first of two buildings that will form the UCL East campus.

The announcement of ABBA coming to the Park was one of the big, worldwide showbiz moments of the year and saw the Park get plenty of media interest.

ABBA Voyage, a ground-breaking concert at a purpose-built, 3000-capacity venue at Pudding Mill Lane, will come to the Park in the Spring with each show so far announced having sold out. London Stadium will also play host to major international concerts in the summer once the football season concludes. The show will debut on May 27.

Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day will all grace the London Stadium stage, performing five concerts between them in front of capacity crowds of up to 80,000.

In July, the Park will mark 10 years since the most incredible Olympic and Paralympic Games which didn’t just deliver a huge haul of medals but was also the catalyst for regeneration in east London.

A Team GB record of 185 medals were won in 2012 – 63 gold, 60 silver and 62 bronze. But as much as we were geared for sporting success, our wider legacy is one we are continually proud of and is one which has helped and is helping those who have bid for the Games since.

Former International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said in the months that preceded the Games that London would be a “blueprint for future Games”. Rogge added: “London has raised the bar on how to deliver a lasting legacy.”

Our delivery of the Games has led to delegations from Tokyo and Paris visiting the Park or seeking advice on what it takes not just to host such a global sporting event but also understanding that legacy must be at the forefront of any prospective Olympic bid.

A Park full of diversity and with inclusivity at its heart that also promises a variety of events. And our year doesn’t stop at major international concerts, Premier League football or what we have in store for our 10-year celebrations. No, away from all of that there will be the launch of the Innovation District, FIH Pro Hockey League matches, the Great Get Together (the Park’s free annual community event) as well as Commonwealth Games track cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark and Rugby League World Cup wheelchair rugby at the Copper Box Arena.

So, plenty to look forward to and celebrate during what will be a bumper year for the Park with plenty being done to mark the 10 years of progress that has been made since the greatest show on earth came to east London.

LIST OF KEY DATES AND EVENTS

West Ham United fixtures at London Stadium from now until May

ABBA Voyage at Pudding Mill Lane (begins May 27)

Hella Mega Tour – Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer at London Stadium (June 24)

Red Hot Chili Peppers at London Stadium (June 25 and June 26)

Foo Fighters at London Stadium (June 30 and July 2)

10 year anniversary of 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony (July 27)

Commonwealth Games track and Para track cycling (July 29 – August 1)

Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup at Copper Box Arena (November 3 – November 9)

Note to editors

More events to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be announced in the new year and the months to come. LLDC would also like to invite journalists to the Park in the new year to see progress that has been made over the last decade. 

2022 is a special year for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park marking 10 years since the world’s spotlight shone on London for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In that time the Park has delivered on its legacy promises creating a must-visit destination for east London attracting six million visits a year, world class sport and entertainment events, thousands of new homes and two new business districts. That progress continues with more homes and jobs to be delivered and projects like East Bank, the most ambitious cultural and education district the country has seen for a generation, set to open soon. It’s a legacy to proud of and one that will continue and inspire generations to come. #passthebaton