Details have just emerged of an exciting new attraction that will take place during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Hosted by The Russian Olympic Federation and the organisers of the 2014 Winter Olympics, Russia.Sochi.Park will be the biggest ever Russian event to be held in the UK and a fantastic opportunity to explore the country’s culture.

Held in Kensington Gardens, the two areas of Russia.Sochi.Park will offer visitors a chance to explore the best of both Russian summer and winter. Russia Park, taking place in the north west of the Gardens, will be a summer festival offering a huge variety of Russian cultural experiences. You’ll be able to sample traditional cuisine in the Picnic Zone, watch a diverse range of performances and even come up close to some of the country’s leading athletes during a series of masterclasses. Special events will also take place in the Russia House hospitality centre.

To the south, meanwhile, Russian winter will be celebrated in Sochi park, themed around the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, South Russia. Here you can experience all the sensations of the next Winter Games in the Visitor Experience Pavilion, which uses 4D technology to transport you to the snowy slopes of the Sochi mountains. You can also watch breathtaking performances from Olympic and world figure-skating champions in the Ice Arena.

Early bird tickets, which allow access to both parks, are currently on sale at £10. Tickets to the Sochi: Small Stories of a Big City show in the Ice Arena are also available for £20.

If that sounds a bit icy for your liking, however, check out the launch of Rio Occupation London at the Battersea Arts Centre. Part of the LIFT and London 2012 Festivals, this free party on 8 July marks the start of a month long fiesta of performances, parties, screenings and gigs from 30 of the best Brazilian artists.