Ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium in May, the Olympic Park at Stratford will host a free four-day football celebration.

Featuring a series of family-friendly activities, the UEFA Champions Festival will be the first major event to come to the home of the 2012 London Olympics since last summer.

It will take place on The International Quarter close to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. London is hosting both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women's Champions League Finals for the second time in three years.

While the men’s finale takes place under the arch on Saturday 25 May, the women’s match will be at Stamford Bridge, home of current Champions League holders Chelsea, on Thursday 23 May.

And UEFA is inviting fans and families to visit the festival and take part in a series of free activities, including the opportunity to have photos taken with the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women's Champions League trophies.

Festival attendees will also have the chance to visit the UEFA Champions League museum to experience all the memories of past tournaments, with children able to take part in a variety of skills clinics and coaching courses put on by professional coaches throughout the week.

Festival ambassadors, including former England players Faye White and Steve McManaman, will be on hand to meet and greet the visitors, who will also be invited to participate in an exciting schedule of entertainment hosted by UEFA Champions League partners.

The festival will open on Thursday 23 May, the day of the Women’s Final, and will run through to Sunday 26 May and will again host the Ultimate Champions Match, which will feature a number of UEFA Champions League greats of years gone by.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "We are delighted that the UEFA Champions Festival is returning to London and especially that it will take place on the International Quarter at the entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the scene of our biggest sporting moment.

“It will provide a fantastic week-long family event and will revive the spirit of community and celebration that made last year's Olympic Games so special."

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid star McManaman added: "The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Stratford area came alive in the summer for London 2012.

“UEFA is very proud to bring the annual UEFA Champions Festival to such a fantastic facility and offer an event that gives both parents and children the opportunity to celebrate football in a truly spectacular venue with free admission for all.

“We expect everyone will be blown away by the amazing multi-event entertainment programme on offer."