2012 marks six years to go

Crowds enjoyed a spectacular display of fireworks, streamers and confetti after an afternoon of cultural and sporting activities.

The event also marked the end of the 2012 Roadshow, which has travelled over 3,300 miles around the UK spreading the message that the London Games will benefit everyone.

The Roadshow's final day, in the North West, also included visits to Old Trafford and the City of Manchester Stadium.

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe said: "Exactly six years from today we will be welcoming athletes and visitors from more than 200 nations to London and the UK, for the biggest peace-time event the world has seen.

"80,000 spectators from around the UK and the world will be making their way to the Olympic Stadium for the Opening Ceremony in the new Olympic Park which will be the biggest urban park in Europe."

Minister for Sport Richard Caborn said, "Travelling 3,355 miles over the last three weeks, our Roadshow has taken the message to people in all parts of the country that there's something in the 2012 Games for them.

"The Government is determined that benefits from the Games will be considerable and long lasting whether boosting business, increasing tourism, enhancing our place in world sport or most importantly, leaving a legacy of better health and increased participation in sport."

27 July 2006