Lyn Garner – Chief Executive of LLDC

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 marks 10 years since the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held in London and eight years since the Park re-opened to the public. In that time, the Park has 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 – 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.

As we look forward to the year ahead some of the events coming to the Park include: ABBA Voyage opening in May, across June and July live music returns to the stadium with the Hella Mega Tour headlined by Green Day along with concerts from Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers – some of the biggest bands in the world. The Stadium also continues to host West Ham United who are on a great run of form this season and are challenging for a Champions League place, and our partners at Lee Valley will be hosting the Track Cycling events for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in August and the Copper Box Arena the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in November.

We were also delighted to be named as one of the London Festival of Architecture Destinations for 2022, with New London Architecture (NLA) coming to the Park with a rich and diverse programme of activity starting from spring 2022. This will include NLA's residency at Westfield Stratford City, exhibitions, publications, and programme of events, including the Park being one of the festival destinations during the London Festival of Architecture in June.

You can find out more about what lies ahead in our latest podcast. Featuring interviews from Sadler’s Wells’ Sir Alistair Spalding and Jonzi D, new LLDC Board member and former Paralympian Helene Raynsford and myself, it sets the scene for marking ten years and is the first in a series of anniversary themed podcasts which will run through the year.

We know that so many people will want to share their own stories of London 2012, so please share any memories on social media using the hashtags #PassTheBaton and #London2012.