By Tom Degun

london_2012_community_decoration_29-07-11July 31 - Mayor of London Boris Johnson has again called on the capital's Boroughs to embrace the London 2012 "Look" by dressing up their high streets, squares, parks and public spaces in the official colours and branding that will greet athletes and visitors next summer.


In the spring, all the Boroughs were allocated £50,000 ($82,000/€57,000) by the Mayor to help them decorate and dress their key celebration areas so that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic experience enhances every corner of London and many Boroughs have already submitted proposals for how they plan to spread the "look and feel" of London 2012 throughout those areas during the Torch Relay and the Games.

The Greater London Authority, the Government Olympic Executive (GOE) and London 2012 have now sent the Boroughs the official Look Book from which they can now choose a range of London 2012 Look materials to dress their streets and Johnson said the project will be a key part of the Games.

"When the world arrives next summer I want every corner of London to demonstrate its pride at hosting the world's greatest sporting event," said Johnson.

"That means decorating not just our iconic landmarks and public spaces with the 2012 look, but ensuring every inch of the capital dazzles its visitors and the millions watching around the world.

"I hope the Boroughs will embrace the chance to make their town centres and public spaces stand out during this once in a lifetime opportunity."

A website will be launched in the autumn when Boroughs can purchase their chosen items while in addition to flags, banners and bunting, the 2012 Look Book is designed to help them dress their unique public spaces by physically applying the look and feel to its buildings, pathways and streetscapes.

This includes the use of artwork, light projections and planting ideas for flowerbeds.

This is the first part of a major programme that will also see London's iconic landmarks and popular tourist venues spectacularly dressed to welcome the world to London in 2012.

"We have listened to what the boroughs and local authorities have said to us and so we are making the Look Book available as early as possible, giving them the time to plan and confirm budgets ahead of the Games next year," said Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012.

"There are options available to suit different budgets - from planting and lighting ideas to the larger more spectacular ways of celebrating London 2012 in their communities.

"We want all local authorities to have the chance to be part of this in whichever way they would like.

"In just under a year's time the eyes of the world will be on London and the UK creating a great opportunity for communities to engage and celebrate with London 2012."

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