BT River of Music will take place on 21-22 July 2012 – the weekend before the Olympic Games begin – and will feature a series of free performances at iconic sites along the River Thames.
 

The event will showcase world-class music from across the globe in addition to emerging British talent. Artists confirmed to perform so far include Scissor Sisters, Naturally 7, Baaba Maal and Angelique Kidjo.

Suzi Williams, BT Group Marketing and Brand director, said: ‘As a Premier Partner of the London 2012 Festival, we understand that London 2012 is about more than sport – it’s about people experiencing the amazing atmosphere the Games will bring to the capital and creating their personal Olympic and Paralympic memories.’

A fantastic celebration

Six stages will be set up to represent the continents: Asia in Battersea Park; Africa in Jubilee Gardens; Europe in Trafalgar Square and Somerset House; the Americas at the Tower of London; and Oceania in the Greenwich Old Royal Naval College.

The event is being created and produced by Serious – one of the UK’s leading producers and curators of contemporary music – for the London 2012 Festival, with funding support from the Olympic Lottery Distributor, Arts Council England and British Council

London 2012 Cultural Olympiad director Ruth Mackenzie said: ‘Thanks to the support of our partners, the BT River of Music will be a fantastic celebration of world-class live music for the London 2012 Festival.’

Tickets are free but some events will require ticketed entry, with further information set to be announced in May 2012.

Claire Whitaker, director of Serious, said: ‘We will be working with the most exciting artists from across the world and the very best of emerging British talent, staging some unique collaborations during the weekend. This will be once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed and a fabulous occasion for the whole family to enjoy.’

Read the full media release

Sign up now for London 2012 Festival updates to get all the latest news and information