Crowd hails 2012 Olympic victory

Photo gallery Trafalgar Square pictures

Thousands of people have gathered in Trafalgar Square for a belated party to mark London's 2012 Olympics win.

The short event saw a ticker-tape display in Olympic colours and acrobats abseiling down Nelson's Column.

Thursday's celebration also included speeches by London 2012 chairman Lord Coe and mayor Ken Livingstone.

Plans for a big victory homecoming were abandoned following bombings in the capital city, which happened the day after London won Games hosting rights.

Thursday's half-hour celebration started at 1230 BST, and included pop star Heather Small singing 2012 campaign anthem "Proud", backed by a gospel choir.

Acrobats, taking part in the first official abseil down Trafalgar Square's landmark statue, dropped a 300ft silk banner of the London 2012 logo.

Livingstone hosted the event, with Coe and Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell also making short speeches.

"Today we are showing London, the UK and the world that preparations for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are under way," said Livingstone.

Those who were killed in the London terror attacks will not be forgotten Olympics minister Tess Jowell

"The passion and commitment we put into the bid is now carrying through to delivering what will be the greatest Olympics ever."

Coe said 60,000 people had already offered to be volunteers for the Games, including 17,000 who expressed an interest within a week of the 2012 decision.

Afterwards, Coe said he was glad people had a chance to mark the victory.

"It wasn't appropriate the day after to start celebrating. Today was a nice opportunity to thank Londoners for their support," he said.

At the climax of Thursday's event, a big banner reading 'London Prepares' was unveiled.

A day-long Oxford Street festival is planned for 1 October as London seeks to boost tourism in the wake of the bombings.

That day, part of a scheme called 'Everyone's London' designed for residents to take pride in the city, will see the landmark shopping area closed to traffic.

It includes festivals, special days out and a series of major promotions such as West End theatre offers.