Ping-pong tables will be popping up in strange locations all over the city as part of an unusual summer festival.
The table tennis event Ping 2012 will be taking place in Leicester throughout July and will include the installation of 58 ping-pong tables in unexpected places.
Members of the public will be encouraged to stop and have a game at any of the tables and there will be plenty of bats and balls available.
Tables will appear at St Margaret’s Bus Station, Highcross Shopping Centre, health centres and hospitals, city parks, a local temple and other locations during the month.
Ping will be launched on June 30 with a day of ping-pong related fun and games, including exhibition matches, fun challenges and a fancy dress competition for children.
Cllr Piara Singh Clair, assistant city mayor responsible for sport and leisure, said: “It is wonderful that Leicester has been chosen to host Ping 2012. Table tennis is a great sport for all ages and Ping will be a huge hit with people looking for a fun way to get active this summer.”
After the festival, the tables will remain in the city and will be permanently installed in parks and community centres.
Mike Smith, development officer at the Leicester and District Table Tennis League, said: “Bringing Ping to Leicester will be an incredible opportunity for people to have a go at table tennis and enjoy this great sport during the Olympic summer. I think this is a brilliant idea.”
Leicester is one of eight cities that have been chosen to host Ping 2012, which has been organised by Sing London in partnership with the English Table Tennis Association.