UEFA Champions Festival comes to London

As part of the celebrations heralding the UEFA Women's Champions League final at Craven Cottage on Thursday 26 May and the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 28 May, the UEFA Champions Festival opens its doors to the public in central London, with final ambassador Gary Lineker joining UEFA Champions Festival ambassador Graeme Le Saux at the opening ceremony.

With free admission for all visitors and an exciting schedule of events, the eight-day extravaganza will be staged in Hyde Park (Speakers' Corner) from midday on Saturday 21 May to Saturday 28 May at 17.00 local time, closing a few hours before the men's final takes place at Wembley.

The festival will give everyone the chance to get a feel of European football's premier club competition through a multi-event entertainment programme full of fun activities to suit all ages and tastes, from photo opportunities with the men's and women's UEFA Champions League trophies, to a chance to revisit the greatest moments in the competition's history at the Museum of Champions. Meanwhile, legendary players will be meeting the public and taking part in football skills clinics.

The festival opening hours are:
Saturday 21–Sunday 22 May: 12.00–22.30
Monday 23–Thursday 26 May: 12.00–20.00
Friday 27 May: 12.00–22.30
Saturday 28 May: 09.00–17.00

Highlights of the eight-day programme of events include:

• UEFA Champions League Trophy
Fans will be able to have their photo taken with the most coveted piece of silverware in European club football.

• UEFA Women's Champions League Trophy
Like its male counterpart, the silverware will complete its tour in Hyde Park. Catch it before it is taken to Craven Cottage for the final on Thursday 26 May.

• Ultimate Champions Match
The England All-Stars will take on their international counterparts in a five-a-side exhibition match on Saturday 28 May from 13.00.

• Theatre of Champions
A unique and emotional audiovisual display of the most glorious moments in the quest for European football's holy grail, from its beginnings in 1955 to the present day.

• Museum of Champions
An exhibition of memorabilia from the great names and games of European club football brings to life the story of the European Champion Clubs' Cup.

• Young Champions
Schools and local community groups will have the opportunity to participate in the UEFA and adidas five-a-side youth tournament.

• Skills clinics and coaching courses
Football coaches, former players and experts will host skills clinics every day.

• Partner activities
Fans of all ages can join in numerous fun activities organised by the official UEFA Champions League partners: Ford, Heineken, MasterCard, PlayStation, Sony and UniCredit.

For a full plan of activities and further information on each day's schedule, visit UEFA.com. The UEFA Champions Festival app – available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users – is also available to download. Events can also be followed on the official Facebook page.