More than 3000 people turned out for this year’s Get Together at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday, August 8.

Following the postponement of the event last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Park welcomed back local people keen to take advantage of free taster sessions at Timber Lodge.

The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) put on the event with support from its East Bank partners, including the BBC, Sadler’s Wells, UAL’s London College of Fashion, University College London (UCL) and the V&A, as well as Foundation for Future London.

Taster sessions for children that proved most popular included the V&A’s Build Your Own City and Let Your Imagination Run Wild while UAL’s offering of designing and making a collage and tote bag was also a big hit.

Visitors also discovered Ancient Sudan with the help of UCL who demonstrated how to play mancala - an ancient board game - and provided the more creative types with an opportunity to take home a souvenir by helping them make their own mask of King Aspelta, Queen Madiken or the sun-God Ra.

Those who came for entertainment enjoyed performances by Bridging Sounds Orchestra - Newham Music, BBC Singers, Sadler’s Wells Breakin’ Convention’s 90-minute takeover performance featuring Rain Crew, Artistry Youth Dance’s juniors and seniors dance groups, and dance workshops led by Cheryl McChesney.

There was also a nod to the Park’s East London roots with those wanting to perform themselves given the chance to map out their version of the East End on a teacup as well as playing a card game that helped those who took part brush up on their rhyming slang.

Despite the Government’s easing of Covid restrictions last month, this year’s event was scaled down from the larger gathering seen in previous years so that those visiting would feel more comfortable.

The aim next year is for the event to accommodate a much higher number so even more people can enjoy an even wider variety of exciting and engaging activities on the Park.