London has been sounding the final fanfare of the 2012 Olympic
Games in a closing ceremony to reflect British popular music through the
decades.
The show in the Olympic Stadium, entitled "A symphony of British Music," celebrated a succession of different musical styles from different eras of pop.
There was a sellout 80,000 crowd at the Olympic Stadium, with an estimated 300 million people watching around the world to see the 16-day sporting spectacle draw to a close.
The concert opened with a countdown followed by the chimes of Big Ben and a reading from Shakespeare's "The Tempest."
There was also a mock-up of a London rush hour, featuring cars and trucks; as well as an appearance by Britain's Prince Harry.
The ceremony then switched to a celebration of British music with appearances by artists including Madness, George Michael and Fatboy Slim.
Spectators were also treated to a rendition of the much-loved song "Always look on the bright side of life," by Eric Idle of the Monty Python crew and a performance of the official Olympic song "Survival" by alternative rock act Muse .
Also on the bill were acts such as The Spice Girls and The Who, with a section devoted to future hosts Rio de Janeiro followed by closing speeches by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge and organizing committee chief Sebastian Coe.
