Sunday 26 July 2009

Handover Ceremony

embers of the cast for the Handover Ceremony in Beijing visited Wembley Stadium today to get a feel for performing in a large iconic stadium.
The cast will perform in the eight-minute segment during the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Games, when the Olympic Flag is handed over from Beijing to London. Dancers from the Royal Opera House, CanDoCo and Zoo Nation are among those taking part.

Handover Ceremony Director Stephen Powell said: ‘This visit to Wembley Stadium was a vital part of our rehearsal process. The object was to give the cast a sense of scale and occasion and of what it might be like walking onto the field of play in a beautiful and iconic stadium. ‘It also reminds us that we are part of major sporting as well as a major cultural event. It has certainly done that and I can’t think of a more fitting start our Olympic Handover rehearsals.’

The Handover will start with a performance of the national anthem by the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, it was also announced today. A special soundtrack of the anthem has been recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Handover Ceremonies’ Musical Director Philip Sheppard. Paul Roseby, the National Youth Theatre’s Artistic Director, said: ‘For the National Youth Theatre to be part of the historic Handover Ceremony in Beijing sends a positive message to all young people across the globe. We will not only be representing the best of Britain’s youth, but our group of culturally diverse, talented young people will take this life changing experience to inspire thousands more to celebrate youth, innovation and friendship at the London Games in 2012. We applaud it!’

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Wembley Location


Check National Express Coaches website for exact and comfortable traveling.

Wembley National Stadium
London, HA9 0WS
0844 980 8001