Free carnival at the Olympic Park marks two-year anniversary of the London Games

Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the former Olympic Park for a free carnival to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the London Games.

The event signals the midway point between London and Rio with just two years to go until the next Olympics.

Hundreds of costumed dancers and musicians will form a carnival parade at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday to mark exactly two years since the eyes of the world were on London for Danny Boyle’s dazzling Opening Ceremony.

Great British Carnival will feature performers including Paraiso, Rhythms of the City, Mahogany, Shademakers and Mandinga Arts as well as pyrotechnic performers from Britain’s oldest carnival, The Bridgwater Carnival Squibbers.

The event starts at midday and an hour-long finale, the world premiere of The Carnival of the Animals featuring handheld fireworks, will begin at 8.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Copper Box Arena — which hosted handball, modern pentathlon and goalball during the 2012 Games — is holding an open weekend on Saturday and Sunday to mark one year since the venue was reopened to the public.

Londoners are invited to take part in free activities, sporting challenges and taster sessions in several sports including athletics, table tennis and basketball.