Thursday 23 July 2026 4:29 pm
| Updated:
Thursday 23 July 2026 4:34 pm
Children playing on Central London Alliance’s 3×3 pop-up basketball court in Paternoster SquareCredit: Central London Alliance CICCentral London Alliance’s London Sports Festival’s newest sporting activation has made an impressive start, as the pop-up 3×3 basketball court in Paternoster Square welcomed hundreds of participants and spectators for a successful opening day in partnership with Basketball England.Situated in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral, the court has transformed Paternoster Square into a vibrant destination for sport, community and wellbeing, bringing together workers, residents, visitors and aspiring players to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing urban sports.The opening Basketball England takeover showcased the excitement and accessibility of 3×3 basketball through free coaching, skills sessions and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be involved.The activation builds on the success of the King’s Baton Relay celebration in May, when Team England’s King’s Baton arrived in the City of London before being placed on the very same court. Thousands gathered to celebrate the Commonwealth Games and enjoy a day of free basketball activities. Today, visitors can once again experience that atmosphere, with a large screen adjacent to the court showing the Commonwealth Games throughout the activation, including the 3×3 basketball competition featuring many of the athletes who inspired participants during the Baton celebrations.Jamell Anderson and Sheriff & Deputy Keith Bottomley in the Team England’s King’s Baton celebration.Credit: Central London AllianceRunning for 18 days, the programme offers one of London’s most inclusive and varied basketball schedules, with activities designed to welcome beginners through to experienced players.Highlights include:
