After watching China winning gold in 3m springboard synchronised diving, we were high in spirits when we stumbled upon a curious red and white pavilion. I suddenly recalled a friend telling me about the Coca Cola Beat Box– It has been built!
Unfortunately, the concept drawing looked a lot more interesting than in real life, as the mass of the core in the middle killed what was supposed to be light red and white interlocking panels (which produce special ‘beats’ when the sensors hidden in the panels are triggered). The beats are supposed to resemble that of Olympic disciplines but the narratives are too forced in my opinion. The best part of it is actually not the design of the pavilion, but what is waiting at the top……
Yes, you guessed it right!
It is the Olympic torch! Instead of paying £50 to get rushed through to take a photo with it at in the ‘official’ photo booths. Here in the Coca Cola Beat Box, you can take your time to pose and get the photo taken by friendly staff FOR FREE! I could send my photos to my friends via Facebook, Twitter or email there or retrieve the photo later using a special code. Cool!
Just when I was getting all satisfied, I began to realise there were more surprises lying ahead!
A dark corridor led us to a room with amazing floral light installation. The light was suddenly turned on to reveal a drink station. A dancing lady served us with special edition Coca Cola (or Coke Zero)! Woot!
Energetic dancers showed us how we could ‘drink’ and ‘toast’ with the ‘beats’- the flowers in the air ‘danced’ accordingly. We were literally in a party! (Video above). Admittedly it was a forced party, and one paid for by a multinational soft drinks retailer, but it was better than a poke in the eye with a pointy stick. Only 8000 torch carriers got to hold the real torch on the torch relay, but now you get your very own chance, and 250 ml of free Coke to wash it down.
Address: Coca Cola Beat Box, London Olympic Park 2012
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