Ceremonies

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 and we become 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. Find out more about Handover activities

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.

Lit in Olympia, the Torch will make an international journey before arriving in the UK.

Carried by Torch bearers selected through a ballot process, the Olympic Flame will pass through communities, with entertainment, shows and concerts marking its arrival.

There will be educational programmes for young people and the chance to take part as a volunteer.

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.

Planning the Torch Relays

Planning for the Torch Relays will start after the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The route for the Olympic Torch Relay will be announced in 2011. We will then be letting you know how you could get involved as a runner or a volunteer.

Announcements regarding the route of the Paralympic Torch Relay are likely to be made in early 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 and set 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 this resource 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.