The 2012 London Olympics

During the summer of 2012 London will host the biggest sporting event in the world

The London 2012 Olympic Games will feature 26 sports across 28 venues and split into 640 sessions

The Olympic Games takes place between 27 July to 12 August 2012 and the Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September 2012.

A large majority of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in the Olympic Park, Stratford in East London. Events will also be held in other venues across London and the UK (England, Scotland and Wales.)

Key dates

- Olympic Torch relay starts (UK Wide) 18 May 2012
- Olympic Torch relay arrives in London 21 July 2012
- Olympic football starts 25 July 2012
- Opening ceremony 27 July 2012
- Closing Ceremony 12 August 2012
- Paralympics: opening 29 August 2012
- Paralympics: closing 9 September 2012

Deciding what to watch - either from the sofa at home, or by purchasing tickets - will not be easy. There is a wealth of sport on offer, split into more than 640 sessions from 25 July to 12 August.

This will be the third time London has hosted the games having also done so in 1908 and 1948.