The Bandstand Marathon, the official closing event of the London 2012 Festival, saw estimated audiences of over 165,000 people across the UK come together in a nationwide musical celebration of the London 2012 Games and a fantastic summer of sport and culture.

225 bandstands

On the final day of the Paralympic Games, music rang out at 225 bandstands, parks and town centres throughout the UK, with approximately 9,000 volunteer performers taking to the stage and entertaining the local crowds.

Coldplay

A collective moment took place across Bandstand Marathon events nationwide when musicians at each location performed their own unique rendition of Coldplay’s hit ‘Viva La Vida’, ahead of the headline performance at the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony later that evening.

From Inverness to Penzance, Armagh to Llandudno, Bandstand Marathon reached all corners of the UK and presented a unique portrait of the UK’s diverse musical tastes and styles.

From Inverness to Penzance, Armagh to Llandudno, Bandstand Marathon reached all corners of the UK and presented a unique portrait of the UK’s diverse musical tastes and styles4BR

Elvis

Kids rock band Hysteria entertained the crowds at Torquay Harbour, whilst the crowd enjoyed Ammanford Town Band in Carmarthenshire. Other locations saw performers as diverse as an Elvis impersonator, a 100-piece Ukulele band, Scots pipers, Afro-Caribbean drummers and a sign language choir.