The House of Switzerland is set to turn part of London into a “red zone” during the Games, and there is a lot to do at this free London 2012 Olympic attraction. We’ll be live-blogging updates from the Swiss House, plus we’ve got all the essential information for you to plan your visit below:
Live Blog
Friday, 10 August
15:45 One of the most unique attractions at the Swiss House is Nino G the Human Beat Box. Unfortunately I’ve been reliably informed its his day off today. However he’ll be walking around doing his funky tunes from his mouth. It is best to come between 12pm and 3pm, and he also comes up on stage to do a show just before the main act at 6pm. Tonight’s act at 6pm is pianist and singer Ingrid Lukas, who lives in Switzerland and was born in Estonia.
Tuesday, 7 August
18:30 Some of the Swiss crowd tell me Evelinn Trouble and her band are based in Zurich. She is apparently considered unorthodox in Switzerland. She also sings in English so the British should be able to relate to her lyrics.
18:05 Good atmosphere here at House of Switzerland, as Swiss rock star Evelinn Trouble has just begun her concert. Very loud! Crowd are well into it and I must say she sounds great.
Sunday, 5 August
2pm Swiss House is packed, as a national hero and sporting legend is aiming for his first gold medal. I’m so far back I can barely see the screen! It’s a partisan lot here, all supporting the great Roger Federer. Every red brick is covered, and as we start a huge cheer goes up for Roger.
2:32pm In a back and forth game, the crowd here is attempting to outdo the Brits at Wimbledon. Interesting atmosphere but not one for the Brits today. I would suggest any Swiss nationals pop down to get involved in the atmosphere, but as a Brit I am cheering Andy on virtually alone!
Saturday, 4 August
12:55pm People are flocking to the Swiss House today. Families are particularly enjoying the outdoor Bernese games on offer in the courtyard to the left of the house. You can try your hand at traditional cheese rolling, take on an obstacle course, test your aim with a paper aeroplane target test, and even rock climb on a specially designed wall. Inside the house there is a games room which is popular with kids at the moment. There are a host of iPads showing off the newest apps and games designed by Swiss developers. For food, there is a choice of “grab and go” meals outside, including rosti, raclette and bratwurst each costing £5.
Wednesday, 1 August
5:00 pm The Swiss are out in force today at the Swiss House to celebrate Swiss National Day.You can join them in their day of celebration that runs all the way to 11pm tonight. There is a jam packed programme with the highlights including entertainment from an Alphorn player and the Gsteig-Brugg accordionists. Or join in the commemoration celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway (Europe’s highest railway station). But tonight between 8-10:30 you can’t miss the opportunity to witness some world class blues music from Switzerland’s star of the future, Philipp Fankhauser. He has done countless concerts and twelve albums and is a big hit.
Monday, 30 July
18:05 A quick sketch, and now we’re back to the Olympics. There’s a busy schedule around here, with events all day everyday alongside live sport, drink and beer. Still, there’s a very relaxed atmosphere, and a mixture of a lot of nations. I even ended up enjoy some of the short films.
17:06 The films are back on again, kicking off just after the hour each hour. Some of them are very odd, and most are completely in French. It’s all a bit artsy for me, but if that’s your thing, then this the place to be. The films are on again this time next Monday. Not too many people watching the films, but according to some of those who have been here all day, there has been some good stuff at the celebration of Swiss innovation day.
16:00 From 4-8 this evening Swiss house is exhibiting a collection of cartoons and short films. The place is pretty packed, lots sitting out in the sun with a drink, food and a few playing cards, and the pubs and restaurants adjoining are still showing Olympic sport. The food and drink ‘stall’ is serving a wide variety. Bratwurst, rosti and raclette for £5 each, soft drinks at £2, pints of Heineken at £4.50 and Pimms £7, plus more.
Need-to-know
Where is it: Glaziers Hall in Southwark, and the surrounding area
Nearest tube: London Bridge Station
Hours: 9am to 11pm
Cost: Free
Watching the Games: Broadcast live every day on big screens in the main square
Highlights: Try your hand at “mountain” climbing. Authentic Swiss cuisine. A large number of varied musical performances. Puppetry shows for kids.
