2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony

The 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony took place at the Beijing National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest. It was led by famous Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and started at 8:00 PM China time on the evening of August 24, 2008. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is linked to good luck and success.

Many talented musicians performed during the ceremony. Plácido Domingo and Song Zuying sang a special song called The Flame of Love. Other performers included Wei Wei, Sun Nan, Leona Lewis, Jimmy Page, Andy Lau, Emil Chau, Jackie Chan, and many more.

The ceremony also marked the passing of the Olympic games from Beijing to London. Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing, gave the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. A special performance was also put on by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.

Unlike the opening ceremony, which focused on China's rich history, the closing ceremony was seen by many as more joyful and entertaining. In the United States, the Beijing Olympics became the most-watched television event ever, with over 211 million viewers watching on NBC.

Sequence of events

Opening and a Homenage to Beijing

The closing ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics began with performances by the People's Liberation Army Navy Band, including the Welcome March song and the introduction of IOC members and China’s leader Hu Jintao. Fireworks marked the official start at 20:00 China Standard Time. The flag of the People’s Republic of China was raised to the Chinese national anthem, March of the Volunteers, followed by a mass games performance with 200 drummers. The ceremony featured various performances, including dancers in special costumes and acrobats on monowheels.

Attending heads of state and dignitaries

The closing ceremony was attended by many important leaders from around the world. These included the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, the IOC President Jacques Rogge, and leaders such as Chinese President Hu Jintao, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and others from countries like the United States, Germany, and South Korea.

Entrance of the flag bearers

Flag bearers from all participating countries entered the stadium, followed by athletes. The athletes entered in no particular order, creating a joyful atmosphere with music and drumming. Medal-winning athletes also entered the stadium to celebrate their achievements.

Men's Marathon Medal ceremony

The gold medal for the men’s marathon was presented to Samuel Wanjiru of Kenya. The national anthem of Kenya was played as three flags, including Kenya’s, were raised. Volunteer representatives were also thanked for their service during the Games.

The Antwerp Ceremony

The Greek national flag was raised to the Greek national anthem, Hymn to Liberty. Speeches were given by Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organising Committee, and Jacques Rogge, IOC President, who declared the Beijing Games officially closed. The flag of the United Kingdom was raised to the British national anthem, God Save the Queen. The Olympic flag was lowered, and the PLA soldiers folded it before presenting it to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, for the next Olympics in London.

From London, "With a whole Lotta love."

A special presentation showcased London as the host of the next Olympics in 2012. It included a performance by Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page, who played a famous song, and a ceremonial football kick by David Beckham.

The Games End

The Olympic Flame was extinguished, marking the official end of the Games. Performers symbolized famous landmarks from around the world, and fireworks lit up the sky. Songs were performed by various artists, celebrating Beijing and the spirit of the Olympics.

Final last closing events

The ceremony concluded with more performances and fireworks. Singers performed songs about Beijing, and dancers celebrated with athletes and spectators. The closing ceremony ended with a spectacular fireworks display at 21:55 China Standard Time.

Television

Main article: List of 2008 Summer Olympics broadcasters

Many people around the world watched the 2008 Summer Olympics on television. Different news sources gave different numbers, but they all agreed it was a very big audience. Some said about one billion people watched, while others said it could have been as many as four billion. In China alone, about 842 million people watched on the main TV station, China Central Television. This meant most people in China were watching.

Anthems

A choir of 224 singers from 56 ethnic groups of China sang the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China. The National Anthem of Greece and the National Anthem of Great Britain were also performed. A choir of multinational children sang the Olympic Hymn.

Victory Ceremony

The National Anthem of Kenya was performed.