innovision delivers Olympic Rings installation

Last week the Olympic Rings were lowered into place on Tower Bridge, one of the planet’s most iconic landmarks, marking one month to go to the 2012 Games.

The Mayor, LOCOG chairman Seb Coe and the City of London Corporation’s Stuart Fraser, watched as the Rings – which weigh more than three tonnes and measure over 25 metres wide and 11.5 metres tall – moved into place above the Thames, forming the crowning glory of the ‘2012 Look’ that is transforming London for the Games,

This ambitious project has been made possible by award-winning event and brand experience agency innovision, who spent many months meticulously planning both the creation and installation of the Rings on one of London’s most challenging heritage sites.

The Rings are brought to life by a new world-class, energy efficient lighting system which enables Tower Bridge’s lights to change in colour and intensity. An illuminating light show took place on the historic bridge to mark this final milestone on the road to the 2012 Games, giving spectators the opportunity for a preview of this incredible display of changing colour on this beloved landmark.

The Rings installed on the City of London Corporation’s Tower Bridge follow the installation of spectacular Olympic Rings at St Pancras International Station last year and most recently at Heathrow Airport, to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city for the duration of the Games. Giant Paralympic Agitos will replace the Rings on Tower Bridge for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

They are just one part of Mayor of London Presents, Boris Johnson’s city-wide ‘Look and Celebration’ programme which will touch every one of the capital’s boroughs. The programme is packed with spectacular free events, shows and cultural treats, which will form the biggest outdoor cultural festival the capital has ever seen. Designed to show the world the very best the city has to offer, this electrifying mix of entertainment – from one-off performances, such as Elizabeth Streb’s athletic dancers as part of the London 2012 Festival, life size Wenlock and Mandeville mascots and an inflatable Stonehenge popping uparound the city.

During the Games, across London from Hungerford Bridge to London Bridge, each of London‘s famous bridges will also be lit up in a dazzling display of colour during the evenings and the giant mobile Olympic rings first seen in March will return to the river travelling up and down stream past its famous waterfront landmarks.

Andrew Douglass, Chief Executive, innovision said: ‘The Rings on the Bridge will create one of the most iconic images in the run-up to the Games and we are honoured to have been invited to create and install them on such a treasured and famous building. With the world watching London, we are very excited to be involved with the GLA and responsible for such a crucial part of the pre-Olympic celebrations.’

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:

“Glorious Tower Bridge is recognised the world over and, adorned with the famous Olympic Rings, is the perfect choice to showcase what London has to offer this summer. With just a month to go, we are making our final preparations and want to ensure each and every person in the capital gets a flavour of the celebrations and feels part of the Games.

“Our fantastic – and free – cultural festival will be springing up in every London borough, with more surprises over coming weeks so prepare to be delighted, wherever you are in the capital.”