Ceremonies
One of the main features of the Games are the ceremonies - from Handover at the end of the Beijing 2008 Games to the Closing Ceremonies in 2012.
The Handover Ceremony in Beijing
The Handover Ceremonies
The first major events for London 2012 were at the Closing Ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (24 August) and Paralympic Games (17 September).
Each featured a special 'Handover' segment as we became the next Host City of the Summer Games. In the Ceremonies, a Flag was passed from the Mayor of Beijing to the Mayor of London. It was followed by a short performance inviting the world to London for the 2012 Games.
The Handovers were also celebrated by millions of people across the UK.
The Torch Relay
The Torch Relay is an important part of the build up to the Games. Celebrating and uniting sport and culture, it will bring the spirit of the Games to the whole of the UK in the months leading up to the Opening Ceremony.
The Olympic Torch Relay
Lit in Olympia, the Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on 18 May 2012. 8,000 Torchbearers will carry the Flame on a 70-day journey throughout the nations and regions of the UK, with entertainment, shows and concerts marking its arrival. To ensure inclusion across the UK, the Flame will come within a one-hour journey for 95 per cent of the population.
In line with the bid promise to inspire and connect a new generation to the Olympic Movement, more than half of the Torchbearers are expected to be young people.
There will be a Torchbearer nomination process due to be announced in May 2011, giving people across the UK the chance to be involved in this historic countdown to the start of the London 2012 Games.
Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung are the Presenting Partners for the Torch Relay.
The Paralympic Torch Relay
The build up to the Paralympic Games will also be marked by a UK-wide Paralympic Torch Relay in August 2012.
Celebrations and events will feature as part of the period leading up to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on 29 August 2012.
During the 2012 Games
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Fireworks, music, dance, culture and the top athletes from around the world... Watched by a worldwide audience of one in three people, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games are always something to remember.They will welcome the world to London, showcasing the diversity of the UK and setting the tone for the 2012 Games. They will recognise the competing athletes and celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Values and spirit of friendship in a spectacular display of colour, excitement, pageantry and culture.
The UK’s creative industries have a worldwide reputation for excellence. We will draw on these resources for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Team Welcome
Each Olympic and Paralympic team will be welcomed to London as they arrive at the Olympic Village.
During these Team Welcome Ceremonies, they are greeted by the honorary Village Mayor and their national flag is raised on arrival to join flags of the other competing nations, alongside those of the United Kingdom and the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.
Medal / Victory Ceremonies
During Victory Ceremonies across the Olympic Venues, athletes will be awarded medals and honoured for their achievements.
