Is Wimbledon too constrained by tradition and pomposity to allow world-class tennis a proper stage? The ambivalent public support towards a first-class Andy Murray illustrates the pressing need to direct attention away from ostentatious spectacle and back towards the game itself.
The forces of spectacle were effervescent at last week’s Shard opening. In an immoderate display of vogue technology the arcane powers of London revealed their despotic claim to our future.
Mark Perryman's latest book provides a pointed critique of the way in which corporate sponsorship at London 2012 has overshadowed the Games' purpoted values. In this review, Jules Boykoff explores Perryman's alternative vision of "five new rings", finding in them a pioneering and nuanced model for
Over 16,000 aerial photographs capturing history dating from near the beginning of the last century were made freely available last week as part of the project 'Britain from Above'. Jamie Mackay explains how these images of our collective past can inspire discussions on the long-term fate of our s
Two sets of extraordinary statistics attached to contemporary events are not connected to each other in a relationship of cause and effect but through a chain of associations and a series of responsibilities not faced and thus acted upon.
With England out of Euro 2012 on penalties, the flag-waving build up for the Olympics begins in earnest. Mark Perryman explores the changing shape of sports nationalism, and internationalism.
Danny Boyle's recently unveiled prototype for the London 2012 Opening Ceremony is centred around a nostalgic image of British countryside. But what do this model's myriad influences suggest about power, history and national identities across the UK?
Danny Boyle, best-known for his work directing and producing down-to-earth, gritty films (such as Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire), has created a 'uniquely British' opening ceremony for this summer's Olympics in his role as Artistic Director. Rachael Jolley explores the significance of Boyle
Euro 2012, Le Tour and the London Olympics. Each reveal differing ways in which sport is controlled and consumed. Mark Perryman reports from the Ukraine on how vested interests are threatening the authentic participation of athletes and supporters alike.
An inside report from London 2012's 'official protest' group, the Space Hijackers, on the terrifying powers of LOCOG - the shadowy organisation whose influence led to the banning of their twitter account.
In the wake of Jubilee Commonwealth events, Migrants’ Rights Network is hosting a debate at London’s SOAS tonight about Commonwealth migration and its role in building ‘Britishness’.
The desperate construction of cultural Britishness observable in this summer's Jubilee and Olympics is just another attempt to conflate British identity with an idealised vision of England. The motivation for those in power is clear: to disguise the gaping constitutional issues that threaten the U
