Given it only takes place every four years, the Olympics is a time for celebration and for cheer. When else can you seamlessly switch over from the 100m sprint to the 3m springboard dive to skateboarding and shout encouragement to your country’s participant(s) at each?
While it may be taking place in Paris this summer, one of the best ways to drink in the occasion in London is certainly at a mass screening – and there are a few big ones taking place around these parts that also happen to be free.
1. Battersea Power Station
Come the day of the opening ceremony, Battersea Power Station will transform into an Official Team GB Fanzone in London for a fiesta of support for the Olympians competing in Paris. And, after the closing ceremony on August 11, the focus will shift to the Paralympics from August 28 – September 8. Supporters will once again be able to fly their flags in support of their favourite athletes at the official fan zone. Find out more about the big screen at Battersea Power Station for the Olympics here.
2. Eccleston Yards, Belgravia
Once you’ve picked up a tipple from the Wild By Tart pop-up, there are more than 100 seats to select where you wish to drink in the atmosphere in this charming courtyard. In between races you can munch down on a salad from Atis or dine outside at Jones Family kitchen. They’ve been a hotspot for Wimbledon screenings this summer, and they’re primed to switch over to Olympic mode as soon as the torch is lit. Find out more here.
3. Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf
The Summer Of Screens has gone full steam ahead at Canary Wharf, as screenings of the Olympics and then the Paralympics in Paris hit Canada Square up until September 8. Pick up some picnic bites and ice cream from Badiani to finish off before you cheer on the athletes as they bid to bring home the gold. Find out more about the summer screens at Canary Wharf here.
4. Bishops Square, Spitalfields
With an 188-inch screen on offer, Spitalfields are doing it LARGE for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris. Settle down on a deckchair and get cheering, before pottering over to the boules space at Italian restaurant Alfi to enjoy the grub and the game. Will you be more invested in your petanqué than what’s on the big screen? That remains to be seen. Read more about the Spitalfields summer of sport here.
5. Portman Square Gardens, Marylebone
Summer doesn’t really get better than a deckchair out on a lawn, and that’s what the setup screams over at Portman Square Gardens. After you’ve tucked into the hot street food treats on offer at Guest Kitchen, you’ll be glued to the screen all afternoon. Find out more.
6. St James’ Market
Another idyllic, deckchair-laden spot can be found right in the centre of the city. Pop in after work to do as Sheryl Crow does (soak up the sun) and glue your eyes to the big screen for all of the Olympics & Paralympics action. Swan up, grab your spot, and take advantage of all the refreshments beside you as you cheer on the games. Find out more about the screenings here.
7. Lewis Cubitt Square & Screen on the Canal, King’s Cross
One of the top spots in London for an outdoor screening on a sunny day, and that’s no different for all the Olympic events we’ve got to look forward to. Also acting as a Team GB fanzone, the Lewis Cubitt Square is open each day from 10am, with live music, Olympic-themed activities, and onstage entertainment (including Q&As with returning Team GB athletes!) to enjoy alongside the big screenings.
Screen on the Canal has also returned for the warm season, and has been partaking in the sport already this summer with Wimbledon games on the big box as the sun goes down. Find out more here.
8. Grosvenor Square, Mayfair
Mayfair also boasts a Team GB fan zone, with the Olympic Games screening from July 26 to August 11. A stroll through the zone will lead you to delights including an al fresco bar and food stands galore, including Mayfair Chippy and a tempting offer of a takeaway picnic from The Ivy Asia. Find out more here.
9. Hammersmith Summer Festival
Credit: Hammersmith BID
Back for their 17th edition, the annual summer of fun is returning to Hammersmith and bringing with it the deckchairs for sitting back in front of the big screen for an Olympics marathon. After partaking in a free fitness class on a Tuesday, you can take your spot and get cheering on Lyric Square. Find out more about it here.
10. Summer Of Sport Fanzone East Village, Stratford
With a special late screening of the opening ceremony, East Village at Stratford will have you covered for all the action. Olympic screenings will take place here every day from 10am – 9pm, meaning you needn’t miss a sprint, a serve, a swim or a 1,2,3 jump! Taking place in the former athlete’s village from London 2012, it’s a special spot to take in the games and to top it all off, there’s a ping pong table with tournaments in the works.
11. Summer by the River, London Bridge
London Bridge’s free summer festival is a picture of joy every year, and this time it extends to whipping up the Olympic highlights and serving them up to you on a big screen. Riverside vibes and plenty of refreshing accompaniments beside you, it’s a no brainer on a sunny August day. Find out more about Summer by the River here.