With the greatest show on Earth coming to an end, it’s fair to say we’re all suffering an Olympic hangover today.
As the athletes head home and the volunteers take a well-earned break from making the games as cheery and friendly as possible, everyone is looking back at the UK’s greatest Olympic performance for more than 100 years.
With the 30th Olympiad drawing to a close, celebrities and sporting legends descended on London for one big party.
Olympic Stadium
The Olympics closing ceremony was held at the Olympic Stadium last night, and was an eclectic mix of some Britain’s greatest music from the past 40 years.
From a Spicy reunion that had fans on their feet, to some slightly odd but very well executed collaborations, the closing ceremony had it all.
The handover to Brazil was one of the highlights, with carnival performers and samba dancers invading the stadium ahead of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
See our other Rio de Janeiro 2016 posts – Rio de Janeiro, the next Olympic city, on film and Get sporty in Rio de Janeiro, host of 2016 Olympic Games.
There was also a special appearance from Brazilian sporting legend Pelé. The world’s greatest-ever footballer showed his more rhythmic side with some samba moves.
Hyde Park
Across London another party was taking place last night, at BT London Live in Hyde Park. The free-to-use outdoor venue has given spectators a mix of great sporting moments on the big screen, interspersed with live music and visits from Team GB Olympians.
But last night was extra special, as Hyde Park’s very own closing ceremony saw some of Britain’s greatest bands perform to an 80,000-strong crowd.
The highlight of the show was Britpop legends Blur, who treated visitors to a two-hour gig of their biggest and best anthems. Other acts on the bill included SKA greats The Specials, while New Order performed a number of classic hits.
Brick Lane
The closing ceremony may have been the most widely-publicised party in London this weekend, but on Friday night it was Brick Lane that was drawing some high-profile partygoers.
Nightclub the Puma Yard played host to the fastest man on Earth, Usain Bolt, on Friday. But rather than blend in with the crowd, Bolt was up on stage in true showman style.
The Jamaican athlete showed he’s not just king of the track by taking to the decks and even rapping, to the delight of the crowd.
(Images: sam_churchill, Mwaldeck, Orry Verducci, Leo Reynolds)
