The International Triathlon Union (ITU) staged the annual Pru Health World Triathlon ITU World Championship Grand Final event in Hyde Park in September 2013 with the ceremonies in Trafalgar Square. City Showcase partnered with World Triathlon and their race organisers to produce, curate and manage (as budget holder) the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and the Triathlon Live Site in Trafalgar Square including sponsor’s displays, an endless pool and large screens showing the races.
See below for more information on the event.
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) staged the Pru Health World Triathlon ITU World Championship Grand Final event in Hyde Park in September 2013.
The ITU World Triathlon Series features world-class events all around the globe in which elite triathletes compete annually to become the ITU World Champion. Each year the Series finishes with a Grand Final as the most important race of the season and as the event where World Championship titles for Elite, U23, Juniors, Paratriathletes and Age Groupers are awarded.
In 2013, London had the honour of hosting the Grand Final on 11-15 September.
In tandem with the sporting activities, there were associated activity in Trafalgar Square including an Opening Ceremony on the evening of Wednesday 11th, a Closing Ceremony on the evening of Sunday 15th and a daily Live Site (Thursday to Sunday).
City Showcase was responsible for booking, building, organising and co-ordinating the live site pre-event and throughout the event and also for organising and co-ordinating all stage activity including ceremonies.
The Opening and Closing ceremonies took place in a partially secured area on Trafalgar Square which was reserved for athletes and officials. A stage was built in front of Nelson’s column and remained on site for the entire event period. Stage acts were Laura Wright, STOMP, Fab Beatles, Jeremiah McDade and The Other Tribe.
On Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday till mid-afternoon the Trafalgar Square activation was a Live Site with a several concessions, trading and demonstration areas for a number of sponsor companies and agencies. This site operated until 7pm every night and offered free public access.