Free Major League Baseball festival is returning to Trafalgar Square as legendary players go head to head

London is getting a taste of the States this weekend with a huge baseball event. The New York Mets are coming to play the Philadelphia Phillies at London Stadium in a 2-game series on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9.

In celebration, a free baseball-themed festival is coming to Trafalgar Square for three days from Friday evening (June 7). There is a wealth of things to do there the chance to swing for the fences in the Batting Boot Camp, MLB merchandise, and a live screening of the main event on 3 big screens - MLB World Tour: London Series 2024.

Major League Baseball (MLB) legends Chase Utley (Phillies legend) and Daniel Murphy (Mets legend) will also be in attendance at Trafalgar Square on Friday evening going swing for swing in The Cage - a virtual batting experience blending real-life and virtual gameplay using the latest ball tracking tech allowing for dramatic heavy hitting right in the centre of busy London.

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Gladiators from the BBC show of the same name - Apollo and Fire - will also compete to be named The Cage champions.

Tickets to watch the game live in London Stadium are still available at Ticketmaster for £66 each, though entry to the event at Trafalgar Square is completely free. You can watch both games here for free with the first pitch on Saturday at 6.10pm and Sunday at 3.10pm.

Food and drink

There is also the added bonus of a feast of ballpark food with menus inspired by New York and Philadelphia specialty dishes including Nanny Bills, Tribeca Deli, Feed the Village, Dan Good Pizza, Deluxe Dogs, and Hackney Gelato.

You can also pick up some MLB merchandise with London Series-specific gear as well as hats from 30 MLB teams and more.

But you can also play the game itself in the ten batting cages that will be set up with coaches to nail down your technique.

Ben Ladkin, managing director of MLB Europe said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to Trafalgar Square for what will be a truly unmissable weekend in an iconic London location. Last year the response was incredible with thousands joining us to experience the festival atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan or a newcomer to baseball we have something for you - there’ll be food, music, entertainment, and games activities for all ages.”

In addition to MLB London Series: Trafalgar Square Takeover, MLB will have several activities across London this week in the build-up to the MLB World Tour: London Series 2024 Presented by Zoom Workplace, including opportunities for young people to try baseball in schools as part of the First Pitch programme and a First Pitch Festival.