A successful end to the games with London 2012 Closing Ceremony
With team GB winning 65 medals overall, coming in third for the 30th Olympiad...
16:46 13 August 2012
With team GB winning 65 medals overall, coming in third for the 30th Olympiad, what better way to celebrate than through a musical show?
Spectators crowded the stadium and tuned in at home on Sunday night to witness a colourful closing ceremony.
Big names included British artists from the past 50 years, such as The Who, George Michael and Queen featuring Jessie J.
There were performances by Elbow, One Direction and Madness as the night saw the games baton passed to Rio de Janeiro.
The games chief, Lord Coe, told the BBC: "When our time came - Britain, we did it right."
The platform consisted of a red, white and blue British flag where around 10,000 athletes filed in to during the show.
Memorable moments saw DJ Fatboy Slim play from a huge Octopus, and Annie Lennox arrive on a wooden ship.
Not to mention the appearance of models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss among others, as tribute was paid to British fashion.
And artistic director Kim Gavin had Brit Russell Brand perform Beatles hit ‘I am the Walrus’ from a vibrant coloured bus.
A highlight of the night was the infamous Spice Girls arriving in five black cabs to perform their hit ‘Spice up Your Life’.
A touching moment saw Take That sing ‘Rule the World’ following Garry Barlow’s recent tragic news.
Following tradition, the men’s marathon medals were presented marking the end of the games, with Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda taking gold.
Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, closed the games after a spectacular three hour event.
"We will never forget the smiles, the kindness and the support of the wonderful volunteers, the much-needed heroes of these Games,” reported the BBC.
"You, the spectators and the public, provided the soundtrack for these Games.
"Your enthusiastic cheers energised its competitors and brought a festive spirit to every Olympic venue."
The dismantling of the 204 petals, given by each nation to create the cauldron, marked the end of the games as the flame was extinguished.
Prince Harry was in the crowd to witness the hand-over of the Olympic flag from London Mayor Boris Johnson to Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio.
PM David Cameron told the Telegraph: "There's a direct link between elite success and participation in sport.
“I want one of the legacies of these Games to be our athletes triumphing in Rio in 2016, and in future Olympic Games,” he added.
As stated by the BBC, 70,000 Games Maker Volunteers were thanked for their efforts during the competition.
It is believed there were 44 world records with 117 Olympic records made during London 2012.