From the Spice Girls to Kate Moss, One Direction and The Who, the London Olympics Closing Ceremony combined all the action from two weeks into a couple of hours. Read on for all the spectacular highlights from one of the biggest parties of the year!
Prince Harry and Kate Middleton took to their seats as representation for the Royal Family at the extravaganza that was the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.
All the athletes entered the stadium for one last time and appeared through the crowd into the stadium and filled a giant interpretation of the Union Flag by internationally renowned artist Damien Hirst.
The 80,000 strong crowd got a hit of British Comedy as Monty Python star Eric Idle appeared onstage.The actor lead the crowd through a singalong rendition of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, and when the song finished, a human cannonball was launched across the stadium.
The closing ceremony was a tribute to the best of past and present cultural exports with pop icons Queen, taking to the stage next with vocals from pop-star Jessie J.
George Michael, Jessie J and Annie Lennox performed a string of their hits, with Annie Lennox on a giant wooden boat. The Kaiser Chiefs and Ed Sheeran lead tributes to British pop greats The Who, David Bowie and Pink Floyd.
Emeli Sande, Madness, the Pet Shop Boys, Ray Davies and teen sensations One Direction also performed. Timothy Spall appeared in character as Winston Churchill and scale model of London took centrestage, wrapped entirely in newspaper.
As the stadium is turned into a giant catwalk, London-born model Kate Moss appeared wearing a gold Alexander McQueen dress, paying homage to the late designer. Naomi Campbell also strutted down the runway wearing a dazzling gold gown with a spectacular train again by Alexander McQueen.
One of the most thrilling performances of the night was The Spice Girls reforming. After a ‘black taxi ballet’ the 90s supergroup, consisting of Emma Bunton, Gerri Haliwell, Mel C, Mel B and Victoria Beckham emerged from the taxis to perform a medley of their hits to an ecstatic crowd.
Alessandra Ambrosio made a cameo appearance with a herd of Brazilian dancers and performers giving the audience and the world a taste of what’s to come at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
The festivities ended with rousing performances from Take That and The Who.
Bring on Rio 2016!
