Welcome to London

Jeremy Hunt

As Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, I want to wish you a very warm welcome to London in 2012. You’ve picked a brilliant time to come here because this year promises to be one of the most exciting and important in this country’s magnificent history. We’re celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a glorious four-day weekend of activities and events at the beginning of June, and we’re hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the summer. 

So the world’s eyes will be on us. And not just those of the people from all corners of the world who, like you, have come here in person to see it for themselves, but also of course by everyone watching us on television in their own homes. Experience from years gone by suggests there will be an estimated TV audience of four billion people watching the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics in July. That’s a breath-taking figure, and one that reminds us not only how vast the world’s population has become, but also how potent are shared experiences – like the Games – which bring us together. 

We hope that, as well as providing some unforgettable moments for everyone who sees it or takes part, all this will be great for business here too. We want to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase to the world all that is great about Great Britain. We believe this country is the perfect place to visit, study and invest in right now. We hope you agree, and we hope you spread the word. 

Jeremy Hunt
Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport

Testimonials

It went fabulously, approx 22,000 visitors to date. Maybe all down to the ad in This is London? We've extended by a week.

David Noton Photography