UEFA Champions Festival x Somerset House
UEFA Champions Festival: Celebrating Football and Community Engagement at Somerset House
30 May to 2 June 2024
The UEFA Champions Festival was an extensive four-day event hosted at Somerset House alongside four other central London locations – Potters Fields Park, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank – from 30 May to 2 June 2024. The festival was created to celebrate the UEFA Champions League Final coming to London, with a range of activities designed to engage football fans and the local community.
Showcasing football excellence, engaging the community, supporting charities and promoting London as a premier event destination for large scale events. At the centre of the UEFA Champions Festival was the UEFA Champions Pitch – a custom-built football pitch within Somerset House’s iconic Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, which hosted a number of activities throughout the festival.
“I am delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to experience the thrill of this special competition through the UEFA Champions Festival. This is the start of an incredible sporting summer for London and a key part of our work to build a better London for everyone.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
As an established and recognised venue for large scale events – blend heritage with contemporary culture – Somerset House’s renown as a home of innovation with a dynamic and diverse cultural programme attracts a wide number of visitors. As such, Somerset House was hand-picked to host the Champions Pitch due to its iconic Grade I listed building, the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court providing a central London setting unique for its history, atmosphere and cultural significance, blending heritage and contemporary culture.
The initial enquiry to host the UEFA Champions Pitch and Ultimate Champions Tournament came via LS Events OBO the GLA / UEFA. The team at Somerset House collaborated with LS Events to bring the project to life in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court with major support from Losberger Deboer who were responsible for building the five-a-side football pitch – a first for Somerset House! With the support of these suppliers, Somerset House’s Fountain Court successfully hosted the Ultimate Champions Tournament on Friday 31st May – the biggest moment within the festival’s schedule. Former UEFA Champions League legends from around the globe including Luís Figo, Kaká, Roberto Carlos, David Silva, Cafu and Patrick Vieira were brought together at the venue to showcase their skills in a five-a-side tournament, watched by thousands of spectators and also broadcast live via 50 global media partners.
The UEFA Champions Pitch delivered over 40 hours of activity with a range of content including grassroots tournaments, free play, partner activations, and local charity initiatives. Community groups and schools across London participated, enhancing community engagement and providing unique experiences for young people and families at Somerset House.
“From an ice rink, to the film set of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, a concert venue and now a football pitch, is there anything Somerset House can’t be transformed into?”
Christopher Barrett, Content Director, Access All Areas (AAA)