Game assault on Trafalgar Square

Soap star on her Red Alert 3 role

As part of the London Games Festival, video game giant Electronic Arts took over most of Trafalgar Square, in Central London.

Members of the public got a chance to play EA's latest titles including Fifa 09, and Red Alert 3.

There were also performances on stage from acts such as McFly, Natasha Bedingfield, and The Automatic.

It is estimated more than 70,000 people attended the event which ran from the 30 Oct - 2 November.

Gamers give their views on Red Alert 3

Held under what are thought to be one of the largest ever temporary structures to be erected in Trafalgar Square, the event, billed by EA as "Be the One" kicked off with the launch party for Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3.

Former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson, who plays Lt Eva McKenna in the game, lent a touch of glamour to the launch.

With the game not going on sale until midnight on 31 October, gamers got a chance to try out the game on one of the many console and PC game stations set up inside the marquee.

Thousands visited the showcase in Central London

The event had the backing from the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who said: "I'm delighted that the London Games Festival is back in our city for its third year. It demonstrates the creativity and range of the gaming industry.

"With events across the capital, the festival has something for everyone and illustrates the popularity of this thriving form of entertainment," he said.

"I am pleased to see EA's Be the One event is returning to Trafalgar Square. It was an undoubted highlight of last year's festival."