London’s host boroughs are getting into the action during the Olympic Games, with the goal of bringing the excitement outside the sporting venues. Giant screens at Central Park and Stratford Park in Newham have been setup to continue that buzz throughout the Games, thought 12 August.

These free events mean Newham will be a hub of activity throughout the Games fortnight. Starting at 11am until 11pm, giant screens will broadcast every minute of BBC1 Olympic coverage each day. And each weekend, all the fun of the competition will be accompanied by activities and entertainment for the whole family.

From 11am to 7pm, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and more fun and games will be a non-stop source of glee for kids. The childrens’ areas will be split, with activites for under 2s, under 5s and older children all on offer.

But the fun isn’t only for the little ones. Adults can try their hand at some Olympic sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, boxing, BMX, martial arts, canoeing, rowing, judo and dance.

Then once 2pm rolls around, the best live acts Newham has to offer will perform on-stage to keep the party going until 8pm.

And on August 5^th there is room for one extra surprise as the Mayor of London presents Showtime – a city wide festival bringing a whole host of entertainment to Central Park. An eclectic mix of performers will showcase a variety of talents. From hairdressers combining street theatre and hairdressing to create art, origami on a huge scale, steel pan orchestras, dancing street workers and much more, the Newham live site will keep the Olympic spirit going.

Updates, 4 August: 

16:15 And now it’s sunny again. It’s like a local festival down here, and that’s what I imagine the plan was. The kids who have no interest in the Olympics are kept entertained and looked after, in fact anyone who doesn’t want to sit and watch the Games go watch a band or try some sport. Everyone else is flat out on the grass in front of the big screen.

16:00 This is an interesting test, the rain has started. There’s a few tented areas and trees for cover. And just as I walk over to the sports area and under some cover it stops. A lot going on over here, again all free. Boxing, skateboarding, BMX, tennis, volleyball, football.

15:45 I’ve just listened to some music, and now I want to check out some sort of sustenance. Today’s big dish is paella according to the sign in the refreshments area, £4.50 to fill yourself up. There’s a burger van just around the corner too. The info I know you’re all after is the drinks prices. Be prepared to smile. £3.50 for a pint of Heineken, £3 cider and the same price for a John Smiths. Cans of lager are £2.50. There’s about 20 portaloos too, you can decide if that’s related or not.

15:25 It’s reasonably quiet here this afternoon, still a good few people mind you, but the grey skies and up and down weather are a real influence on that. But it’s the real business end of the Olympics now, the athletics mean there are always events on the go. A sunny, lazy Sunday will certainly see this place fill up, and double the number here now would probably see it close to comfortable limits. Security checks at all entrances so there will certainly be queues at busy times.