 The stadium had been turned into a giant representation of the Union Flag , designed by Damien Hirst . Around 4 @,@ 100 people partook in the ceremony ; which reportedly cost £ 20 million . The 2012 Summer Olympics were officially closed by Jacques Rogge , who called London 's games " happy and glorious . " The ceremony included a handover to the next host city for the 2016 Summer Olympics , Rio de Janeiro and saw the Olympic flame extinguished and the Olympic flag lowered . The main part of the evening featured a one @-@ hour symphony of British Music as a number of British Pop acts appeared . Tributes to John Lennon and Freddie Mercury and the fashion industry were included in the section . Rio marked the handover with an eight @-@ minute section known as " Embrace " created by Cao Hamburger and Daniela Thomas , featuring Pelé . Sebastian Coe gave a speech , and the volunteers of London 2012 were thanked . 
