Aimed at celebrating one of Britain's strongest cultural exports over the last 50 years, the musical extravaganza marked the end of the country's most successful Games in more than a century. Summing up the night in random order:
- Prince Harry represented the Royal Family alongside Kate Middleton
- Scale model of London took centre-stage wrapped entirely in newspaper
- Athletes appeared through the crowd and filled Damien Hirst interpretation of the Union Flag
- Performers included Emeli Sande, Madness, Pet Shop Boys, Ray Davies, George Michael, Jessie J and Annie Lennox, among others
- Kaiser Chiefs and Ed Sheeran led tributes to British greats David Bowie and Pink Floyd
- Stadium turned into huge catwalk with appearances from supermodels
- Black London cabs performed 'taxi ballet' before the Spice Girls' performance
- Olympic Flag was handed over to 2016 hosts Rio de Janeiro to rousing applause
 |
| Photo credits: Reuters |
The audience at the Olympics closing ceremony were treated to a taste of Britain's comedy heritage when Monty Python star Eric Idle appeared onstage. The actor led the 80,000-strong crowd through a singalong rendition of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, while a bizarre troupe of dancers performed around him. He was followed by a performance by pop icons Queen, including vocals from Jessie J and from beyond the grave, by the band's late singer Freddie Mercury.
Evoking images of the past from Winston Churchill and Edward Elgar, through the psychedelic 60s to the highs and lows of the Games, the closing ceremony culminated with a glimpse of the carnival that awaits in Rio in four years' time. A galaxy of stars including the Pet Shop Boys, Kaiser Chiefs, George Michael, Tinie Tempah and Jessie J, The Who, along with faces such as Kate Moss, Russell Brand, Julian Lloyd Webber, Naomi Campbell and Darcey Bussell built up to the show's climax.
 |
| Photo Credits: Associated Press |
IOC President Jacques Rogge stated: 'These were happy and glorious Games. The legacy of the Games of the XXX Olympiad will become clear in many ways. 'Concrete improvements in infrastructure will benefit the host nation for years to come. Many young people will be inspired to take up a sport or to pursue their dreams.The organising committee, well supported by the public authorities, did a superb job,' he said. 'We will never forget the smiles, the kindness and the support of the wonderful volunteers, the much-needed heroes of these Games.You, the spectators and the public, provided the soundtrack for these Games.Your enthusiastic cheers energised the competitors and brought a festive spirit to every Olympic venue.You have shown the world the best of British hospitality.'
Dead on midnight the flame that reached all corners of the UK over 70 days was extinguished. As the dying flame flickered in the Olympic cauldron, a new flame emerged in the form of a phoenix suspended above the audience. Rock superstars The Who ended the night with a performance of Baba Reilly and a medley of their other hits, as a fireworks lit up the London sky. The best of Britain's past and present music scene partied with volunteers, athletes and the world as London 2012 came to a breathtaking close. And the Games were over - until 2016.
 |
| Photo credits: Getty Images |
In, Mail Online (abridged and slightly adapted)
Follow THIS LINK in case you feel like taking a look at a fantastic photo gallery of the Closing Ceremony!...
You might also like to read
