Paralympics Closing Ceremony "will feature a battalion of 'eccentric travellers'"

The Paralympic Games closing ceremony tonight will feature flames, armed forces personnel, a legion of "travellers" - and Coldplay.

Games bosses yesterday partially lifted the veil on the content of the show, dubbed the Festival of Flame, at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

British chart-toppers Coldplay - who have been paid £1 for their services - will play an "unusual setlist" designed to represent the seasons of the year.

But organisers refused to confirm whether American artists Jay-Z and Rihanna would be among those joining them on stage.

Director Kim Gavin, who was also behind the Olympic closing ceremony, said: "We pay tribute to the human spirit for this wonderful sport and human achievement of the last two weeks.

"We have put together a unique group of people who storm the stadium, and bring this festival to life. The whole night is the celebration of the flame finally going out."

More than 1,000 volunteers joined Coldplay for a rehearsal of tonight's festivities at a car park in Dagenham earlier this week.
It is still not known if singer Rihanna will appear in the show
Mr Gavin added: "There is no narrative. It's not just a concert and we're not just looking at Coldplay, we have fantastic visuals and amazing stunts going on. It is a collaboration all round."

Steve Daldry, head of Olympics ceremonies, confirmed other recording artists had wanted to be involved in the closing ceremony, but said Mr Gavin had a vision for it to "revolve around one act".


[link to news.sky.com]

Last Edited by Phennommennonn on 09/09/2012 03:54 PM