Johnson had announced in March that because of the logistical problems of traffic, security and access it would be included alongside other places such as Hyde Park, Victoria Park, Jubilee Gardens on the Southbank and Potters Field beside City Hall as a live site. 

But Trafalgar Square, which is where thousands of Londoners gathered on July 6 2005 when it was announced that the capital had been awarded the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, will play a prominent role during the Paralymics when, with an audience capacity of 10,000, live coverage from the Games venues will be screened in the Square and a range of live cultural performances will take place.

Visitors to Trafalgar Square will also be able to enjoy a series of free set-piece events to coincide with activity in the Olympic Park, such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Building on the successes of the annual Liberty Festival, this is an opportunity to showcase some of the amazing creative talent developed from disability arts groups, disabled artists and producers alongside mainstream arts groups, Johnson said.

Johnson, said: "Trafalgar Square is an iconic London landmark, recognised around the world and a natural focal point of the city.

"I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to mark the capital’s joy in hosting the Paralympic Games than making it an official Live Site and the focus for public celebration.

Johnson made the announcement as he celebrated the countdown to two years to go to the London 2012 Paralympic Games by turning Trafalgar Square into a boccia court.



Beijing 2008 Paralympic gold medal winning British boccia athletes Dan Bentley, Zoe Robinson and David Smith and members of London clubs showed the Mayor how to play a game of the unique Paralympic sport, designed for athletes with severe disabilities.

They were joined in the Trafalgar Square celebrations by former Paralympic wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan, senior members of ParalympicsGB as well as BT, a Tier One London 2012 sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said: "The London 2012 Paralympic Games are now only two years away. It’s time for the British public to start planning their involvement in the Paralympic Games.

"London is truly excited about hosting the Paralympic Games, and we look forward to welcoming the world in 2012."

Suzi Williams, BT Group marketing and brand, said: "BT is a long-time passionate supporter of Paralympic sport.

"We are committed to helping these amazing athletes be the very best they can be and we are proud and excited to be part of it.

"With just two years to go now, it’s great to be here in Trafalgar Square with the Mayor looking forward to the excitement and celebration that the Paralympic Games will bring to London and helping everyone get involved."

Phil Lane, the chief executive of ParalympicsGB, added: "Seeing boccia being played here today and hearing the great news that Trafalgar Square will be a Festival Live Site in 2012 mean that we are a few steps closer to our goal of getting the whole nation right behind the Games and of course, the British team.

"The Games will be an incredible experience for Londoners and all the athletes are working really hard to make them proud."

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