A bizarre and hilarious incident at a prominent East London landmark has set the internet alight, after the Olympic Velodrome was filmed apparently 'farting' during a firework display.
The Viral Phenomenon
The comical event was captured on video, which shows the distinctive 6,000-seat venue in Stratford emitting deep, rumbling noises that closely resemble flatulence. The footage was shared by Matt McCafferty, who aptly described the sounds as the building 'farting'.
The noises are believed to have been caused by the velodrome's unique curved roof, nicknamed 'the Pringle', reflecting the sound of fireworks. This occurred over the weekend following Bonfire Night, a period which typically sees a significant increase in firework displays across the UK.
Social Media Erupts with Laughter
Clips of the acoustic anomaly quickly went viral on social media platforms, prompting a wave of humorous reactions. One TikTok user joked, 'God forbid the Velodrome has an upset tummy'.
Another commenter found the situation incredibly funny, stating, 'That's hilarious! How do I move next to this incredible building.' The viral nature of the video even provided a welcome excuse for one viewer, who posted, 'Good, I can now excuse myself as a firework, it's just my architecture that makes it sound rude.'
The Science of Sound and Architecture
This unusual event is not without scientific explanation. So-called 'freeform' buildings with large, curved surfaces are known to significantly alter the sounds around them.
Convex surfaces tend to spread out sound waves, weakening their reflections. In contrast, concave surfaces, like parts of the velodrome's roof, focus sound. This creates areas of intense reflection, leading to the amplified, rumbling echoes that were mistaken for fart noises.
The Olympic Velodrome is not the only famous structure with quirky acoustic properties. At St. Paul's Cathedral, a whisper can travel 110 feet along the wall of the large dome, allowing someone on the opposite side to hear it clearly. Similarly, in the lower concourse of New York's Grand Central Station, a voice can travel from one corner to another 30 feet away, arcing over the heads of the crowd.
