The “mayors of the game” to suggest activities in London for families UK News

Sadiq Khan has said he wants to make London ‘Britain’s biggest playground’ over the summer as he announces a series of events and activities aimed at families with young children .

The Mayor of London revealed on Wednesday that the next phase of the £ 6million Let’s Do London campaign will encourage families to book holidays and day trips to London as the capital seeks to recover from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It comes as new figures from City Hall show weekday attendance in central London remains at 54% of pre-pandemic levels, while weekend attendance has increased to 75%.

As part of the campaign, five children aged eight to 11 will have the chance to become “play mayors” and share their ideas for family activities with Sadiq Khan.

Mr Khan said “there has never been a better time” for families to visit London with their children, with many tourist attractions significantly less crowded due to restrictions on international travel.

He said: “The 16 months have been incredibly difficult for young people and their families, so I am delighted that we can offer such a range of exciting events and activities for young people to enjoy.

“I want to make London Britain’s biggest playground this summer, whether it’s with our karting projects, new fairground attractions or opportunities to get involved in dance, poetry, art or the preservation of nature in our wonderful royal parks. And in launching my search for London’s very first ‘Mayors of Play’, I want to hear first-hand from our young people on what we need to focus on the most to make the capital even better for children. ”

With a dramatic drop in attendance due to the pandemic, tourists spent £ 7.4bn less in central London and the West End in 2020 than the year before.

As London’s culture, hospitality and retail sectors seek to recover from the drop, Sadiq Khan urged visitors to return to London to “ensure their survival.”

The new phase of the Let’s Do London campaign will include events such as rear-wheel-drive karting on the streets of London, rides and exhibitions at Somerset House in July and August, as well as various arts and music events throughout the summer.