Lyon unveil cultural plan to mark EURO 2016

The spotlight will be firmly on Lyon during UEFA EURO 2016, shining brightest for six matches held betwen 13 June and 6 July. The city is eager to make the most of it, announcing a full cultural programme for this year on Tuesday.

As culture and sport are shared values of Lyon's identity, the city is planning a series of events to coincide with the competition. "We want this to not only be a popular sporting event but to give it a cultural dimension too," explained Lyon deputy mayor Georges Kénépékian.

By the beginning of UEFA EURO 2016, most of the regular cultural events in Lyon will integrate football features. Three major exhibitions are also planned:

1. 'Heavenly football' at Musées Gadagne (21 April to 4 September)
Lyon's museum of history hosts an exhibition that has already toured several major European cities. Vincent Duluc, a journalist at newspaper L'Équipe, is curator and part of the show considers the place of football in Lyon. A 'selfie' competition will run from February among Lyon supporters.

2. 'Democracy through football' at Part-Dieu city library (24 May to 3 September) 
The power of football in Lyon.

3. 'Sport in wartime' at Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation (22 June to 29 January 2017)
An exhibition examining sport in times of war and profiling Tola Vologe, a French international in multiple sports who, during the Second World War, helped hide Jews and who gave his name to Olympique Lyonnais's training centre.

How you can get involved
Lyon is looking to recruit 350 volunteers to help welcome visitors and promote tourism in the city. Please register before the end of March here.