London Sports Festival is set to introduce another exciting urban sport to the capital with the launch of a new panna football activation at The Crescent, opposite the award-winning Tower Suites hotel by Blue Orchid Hospitality.

Known for its fast-paced style, close control and street football culture, panna football will transform The Crescent in Aldgate into a lively destination for sport, entertainment and community participation, inviting workers, residents and visitors to test their skills and Play Their Part. 

The Crescent, previously home to the City’s first pop-up padel court, earning its place in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS book from previous activations led by Central London Alliance, will soon be welcoming more visitors as Tower Suites opens up the Crescent buildings. The Crescent, a stunning collection of Georgian buildings, adjoins Blue Orchid’s multi award-winning Tower Suites hotel and benefits from views of the Tower of London and the historic Roman Wall, in a prime City location.

Participants will have the chance to experience the creativity and energy of panna football in a fun and welcoming environment as other football themed games will be available to play. Donations for play will go to the city-wide Saving Lives campaign– Central London Alliance’s mission to train 4,000 people in CPR for another world record attempt.

Opening on the first day as the official Men’s World Cup Football tournament, screens will show matches in the adjacent bars and restaurants. Local businesses will also be encouraged to take part offering teams a unique opportunity to connect and compete in the heart of the city. Alongside this, community groups and schools will be invited to attend dedicated sessions aimed at encouraging young people and local residents to be active, build confidence and experience a different side of football culture.

Delivered as part of Central London Alliance’s wider London Sports Festival programme, in partnership with Aldgate Connect BID, the activation continues their mission of activating unused spaces and making physical activity more accessible across central London.

Tony Matharu, Chairman of Central London Alliance said:

“London Sports Festival is about bringing energy, opportunity and community into the heart of our city through sport. Our activations in the Crescent are a brilliant example of how we can transform underused public spaces into vibrant destinations that encourage people to connect, be active and experience London in new and exciting ways.

“The Crescent has already shown what is possible through previous sporting activations, and we are proud to continue building on that success with another accessible and engaging experience for workers, residents, visitors, schools and local businesses alike.

“As the Men’s World Cup football competition begins, this activation will create a fantastic atmosphere in Tower Hill – celebrating football culture while supporting local businesses, encouraging participation and showcasing the power of sport to bring communities together.”

Claire Dumontier-Marriage, BID Director at Aldgate Connect BID said:

“Sporting installations are a fantastic way to bring energy and fun into Aldgate’s public spaces. We’ve been delighted to be a partner in hosting a range of innovative experiences that have taken place in The Crescent, and we’re excited to join Central London Alliance to see it transformed once again through Panna Football. 

“At Aldgate Connect BID, we are passionate about creating a vibrant and welcoming destination for everyone who lives, works and visits the area, and London Sports Festival is a great example of how activations like this support community cohesion and bring people together.

“We encourage all local workers, residents, visitors and the wider community to take part and experience the energy that this different side of football can bring.”

The announcement follows a growing series of London Sports Festival activations across the capital, including pickleball, padel, basketball and table tennis experiences, all designed to animate the city and encourage participation through inclusive and engaging sporting experiences.

Further details, including how to book can be found on the London Sports Festival website.