Olympic closing ceremony - in pictures

There was a fantastic party atmosphere at Sydney's Stadium Australia.

Sydney was ready to put on quite a show for the 100,000-plus crowd who had gathered at the arena.

The night included dancing and singing which paid tribute to Australian modern culture.

President of the Olympic International Committee Juan Antonio Samaranch announced that the Sydney Games were the "best ever".

Samaranch handed over the Olympic flag to Athens' Lord Mayor as Greece get set to host the next Games in 2004.

The flag of Greece flies high in the stadium as the crowds below bid farewell to the Sydney Games.

Nikki Webster, who was the star of the opening ceremony, stands high as the Olympic flame dies down on the Sydney Games.