Not wanting to brag, but we were on-site before any of you lot- so here's a little taster of what you can expect if you're heading down to the Olympic Park this summer as we recall our first impressions...
As we wandered through metal detectors and x-ray machines with our passports, we were almost surprised to not greeted by an orange faced stewardess in an airport lounge. Instead, we were by the sight of one of the most high-profile events that has graced our capital. The sheer amount of work that's been injected into London 2012 is crazy. After fighting the urge to prance around photographing everything, we explored what we could. Patterned pathways, perfect lawns and water features all spilt around staggering structures that begged amazement.
Despite most of the Park being empty, there's an invisible energy and buzz hovering around the grounds. Under the welcome sunshine, we saw some of that energy. Amongst all the security whizzing around in golf buggies, we eyed some painfully enthusiastic dancers practising in preparation for the Games. And in that summer heat, even watching Glee drop-outs throw shapes was sweaty work for us.
The Emerging Icons stage is right by the Eton Manor northern entrance as you wander into the Park - so it's easy to find your way. When you descend the stairway, glistening against that beautiful sunshine, there it is- the pearly white Bandstand. The whole area is set on lower ground so people can get a good aerial view of the stage and crowd, as well as circulating around the pathways surrounding the Bandstand. People who like what they hear can choose to wander down onto the grass in front, which seems to be as well maintained as a putting green. We've got a two thousand person capacity so the only person who's going to be disappointed after the Olympics will be the poor bastard that spent his summer perfecting that lawn.
The design of the stage can only be summarised by one word. Sexy. Its enormous - it looks like what can only be described as a futuristic, white, hollowed out space-ship. It really overstates its name, and its curved shape creates a sharp soundscape. But you'll have to see it (and hear it) to believe it...
Today, the sun and scenery of the Olympic Park painted the picture of weeks to come. The Bandstand is looking neat and we're all so stoked to showcase new talent to the eager ears of the world.
The ball is now rolling.
We're warming up the amps and cranking shit up to eleven.
All we need now is you!
Keep your peepers peeled for all of the Olympics news and gossip from the Emerging Icons camp in the next two weeks!
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