The Ceremony will pay tribute to the United Kingdom as a nation famous all over the world for hosting exuberant festivals.
It will reflect the seasonal cycle of ancient and modern festivals that take place throughout the year, taking the audience on a journey through autumn, winter, spring and summer.
Bestselling band Coldplay will take to the stage, performing a catalogue of songs including hits such as ‘Yellow’, ‘Clocks’ and ‘Viva La Vida’.
The band will perform alongside a cast of more than 1,300 volunteers, 120 child volunteers from schools in East London, and a 200-strong professional cast including Candoco Dance Company, disabled aerial performers and the British Paraorchestra, made up of disabled musicians.
The ceremony will also honour servicemen and women, in a section that will see a dramatic raising of the Union Flag.
Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin said, 'It will be one of the biggest nights of our lives and we're very excited to try to create a performance for the last night of the Games that will close London 2012 in style.'
Artistic Director Kim Gavin commented, ‘What better way to demonstrate our respect and commitment to these athletes than by celebrating with Britain’s most internationally renowned band. Our ‘Festival of Flame’ will take the audience through a dramatic celebration of seasons and music, and will feature some very special surprises for the watching world.'
Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee Seb Coe said, ‘What a summer we have had to celebrate. This Ceremony will be a fitting celebration of the athletes who have wowed the world, and the volunteers who have made these Games.’
The Closing Ceremony will be broadcast on Channel 4 from 20:30 in the UK and streamed on the website of the International Paralympic Committee for those outside the UK.
