To kick start the countdown to the London 2012 Games, Eurostar, an official supporter of both the Games and the London 2012 Festival, has today unveiled a one-day summer festival - Eurostar presents Traction - curated by internationally renowned DJ Gilles Peterson.

The unique event will bring together musical, dance and arts performers from across Europe for a special one-day festival to celebrate the diversity of European talent on London‘s doorstep. 

Parisian Sébastien Tellier and Cologne’s Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble are the first two acts to be confirmed today, with further names set to join the line up in the coming weeks. Each performer has been handpicked by Gilles Peterson, drawing on his 30-years of experience in the music industry and his insatiable appetite for groundbreaking new music.

Traction will be the very first event to take place in London’s newest creative quarter - Granary Square - a stone’s throw from Eurostar’s central London home, St Pancras International. Opening to the public for the first time in June, Granary Square will be one of the largest urban spaces of its kind in Europe. The square sits at the heart of the 67-acre King’s Cross development, which combines new and magnificently restored historic buildings with an ambitious art programme featuring major commissions by internationally acclaimed artists.

Ruth Mackenzie, Director, London 2012 Festival, said: “Many thanks to our supporter Eurostar for a great line up to celebrate musical revolution in Europe as a highlight of the London 2012 Festival.”

Gilles Peterson, curator ofTraction, said: “Emerging across Europe is a wealth of pioneering musical talent. Traction will give thousands of residents and visitors to the London 2012 Games the chance to discover the exciting new music on offer just a short journey from the UK. In curating this very special event, we will bring a truly original experience to the public as they celebrate the arrival of the Games in London.”