The East End of London celebrated the first anniversary of last summer’s Olympics being staged on its doorstep with a sports carnival.

East London Advertiser: Brothers Idor (left) and Bryn Dickinson learning to canoe at Mile End carnivalBrothers Idor (left) and Bryn Dickinson learning to canoe at Mile End carnival (Image: Archant)

The idea was to keep fit—but it turned into a real holiday atmosphere in the in the sweltering heatwave.

East London Advertiser: Faycal Noureddine, 5, is up the wall at Mile End carnivalFaycal Noureddine, 5, is up the wall at Mile End carnival (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of families turned up for Saturday’s free six-hour festival staged at Mile End Park by the Regent’s Canal.

East London Advertiser: Entertainer at Mile End Sporting CarnivalEntertainer at Mile End Sporting Carnival (Image: Archant)

They got the chance to try out free outdoor activities including giant inflatable games and traditional sports like tennis and basketball.

The carnival laid on by Tower Hamlets Parks department included activities such as sailing and canoeing simulators and taekwondo.

“The carnival was a great way to encourage young people to try out a new sport,” said a Parks Department spokesman.

“It also allowed everyone to improve their health by getting fit and active—as well as enjoying themselves.”

The sound of steel pans echoed through the park with entertainment including a talent showcase featuring Sky One’s ‘Got To Dance’ finalists IMD.