THERE are just two days to go before Princess Anne opens Europe's biggest corporate sporting event in Swindon.

The Corporate Games will be officially opened at Lydiard House at 11am on Friday.

Following the opening, Swindon Council has organised a free festival at Lydiard Park for every day of the games.

The festival will include bands, strolling players, games, food and drinks.

It is open to participants and the public.

Lydiard Park will be transformed for the sporting event that runs from Friday to Sunday.

Saturday's events will include a children's fun run and the official opening of the restored lake by the Princess Royal.

Basketball legend John Amaechi will be on site as official sport patron of the games while other leading Swindon and UK personalities will be honorary presidents for each of the sports.

Organisers said all the venues were in place and ready, with several of the events to be staged at the historic Lydiard Park.

The corporate village in front of Lydiard Park will include marquees, food and drink stalls and the main stage.

The games have attracted a record number of entrants from across the UK.

They will fight it out in 21 different sports at venues across Swindon.

The council says the event will be a massive boost for the town.

As reported in the Adver last month, major hotels are booked solid ahead of the event.

The Lydiard Park tent city will be transformed on Saturday night for a massive games party.

With a 007 theme and with Bond girls and guys galore, the Great Games Party is a near sell-out with only a few days left to get your tickets.

Organisers say some tickets will be available on the door but a surer bet is to get in early at the games office so as not to miss out on a great evening with live bands, DJs and all the fun of the festival.

The first 1500 partygoers through the door get a free drink.

  • Be sure to get your Swindon Advertiser on Monday for a free Corporate Games souvenir pull-out.