One Year To Go Event - Trafalgar Square - Kikku Mani Reports...

The Olympic Games were awarded to London six years ago, and with just one year left, this marks a huge and important milestone not just for London but for the UK and on an international level. The Games affect so many people’s lives and in so many ways. They’re not just about athletics, and there is a lot happening to engage people in that broader picture; they're a kind of Cultural Olympiad if you like.

This means events and programmes spanning far broader than just sport to celebrate hosting this amazing international event. Millions of people have been inspired and motivated by the Games, and we were taken on a journey to see exactly how they have made a difference to people of all backgrounds and in many different ways.

The line-up of entertainment included West End performances from the West End Kids, music by DJ Kissy Sell Out, MC Cobra as well as the Olympic mascot Wenlock and some stunning BMX displays. The London 2012 hopefuls were introduced as well as a Bangladeshi girl, flown in to highlight some of the work the ‘International Inspiration’ programme is doing. She has been taught to instruct young kids how to swim, and in a country where people die in floods due to their inability to swim, she’s potentially saving thousands of lives.

After this, we were handed over to BBC1 for a live broadcast and the official invite by Jacques Rogge, the IOC President, calling athletes of the world to form teams and come to compete in the London Olympics. At the moment of the invite and at exactly one year to go, a huge banner was hoisted up on the National Gallery! Speeches followed by David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Princess Anne, who unveiled the new Olympic medals.

While all this was taking place on stage, there were a variety of 'experience zones' along the sides of the square, including the British Origami Society making paper boats for kids out of national flags that could then be sailed in the fountains; basketball hoops; and a table tennis table. An Explore London zone focused on what’s happening in London next year, including maps, cycle routes and promotion of the activities of the London Festival. There was also a face-painting area, breakdancers and stilt walkers adding colour and cheer to the crowd.

All in all, the evening was a complete fusion of music, sport and art and a great way to officially begin the year’s countdown to the biggest and most prestigious event to come to Britain in over 50 years!