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!
Our specialist Pop-Up team has launched pop-up beauty salon The Really Buff Boutique in Poland Street, Soho, offering a range of free luxury beauty treatments to those who book in advance.
The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge has transformed its gym and spa terrace into a lush British countryside. Complete with birch trees and lavender, guests can order a picnic and indulge in a typically British fare of iced tea and strawberries, all in the privacy of the secret rooftop garden right in the heart of the city.
Improv Everywhere celebrated its Mp3 Experiment Eight recently. Involving over 3,500 people, Improv Everywhere invited members of the public to download an MP3 file and press play simultaneously at sunset in two starting points by the Hudson River in America. The participants were asked to follow instructions via their headphones, much to the confusion of passersby.
Bompas & Parr teamed up with Selfridges in July to create ‘The Truvia Voyage of Discovery’ promoting Truvia sweetener. They transformed Selfridges' rooftop into a boating lake complete with a waterfall and a magical crystal bar/island. During the visit, guests could boat up to a bar where they could enjoy rooftop drinks from the Experimental Cocktail Club as well as coffee and tea from the Caravan and the Rare Tea Company.
At RPM, we care about the community, especially the one surrounding The Old Treacle Factory. Deciding agaisnt the stereotypical 'West End agency', RPM remains loyal to the quirky and eclectic community of Shepherd's Bush where the company was born and bred. Hugh, our CEO, and brother Dom, MD, both live in the area and want to give back to the community that has welcomed not only their business but their families.
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.
11 of the bravest and fittest RPM staff completed the gruelling cycling marathon 'La Pinarello', which took place in the stunning Dolomites of Italy. Here are some facts from the RPM team:
Happy Friday, people! If you're planning on heading down to Latitude or The Big Chill, the Diageo Reserves team has an experience for you. The Grand Marnier Terrace offers you a gorgeous bar and lounge, where sumptuous Summer Serve cocktails are poured to the sound of some chilled beats by live DJs. The activity is aimed at raising the profile of the two key serves: Grand Tonic and Grand Esprit, to a target audience of 30-35 year-olds. Get yourself down there, and enjoy a refreshing Grand Marnier Summer Serve.
We've been working with laundry care brand Comfort to launch its new Comfort Brights range through a national roadshow: ‘Comfort Brights and Whites’.