Bandstand Marathon is a cultural event that began in 2008 and sees a range of free live music concerts take place simultaneously at bandstands and other outdoor venues across the United Kingdom . In 2012 the Bandstand Marathon became an official part of the Cultural Olympiad and it was announced in September that it would be the official finale event of the London 2012 Festival . The 2012 Bandstand Marathon was officially endorsed by Coldplay , who allowed participating bands to perform their song " Viva La Vida " simultaneously across the country to tie in with their performance of the song at the closing ceremony of the Paralympic games
closing ceremony of the Paralympic games
2012 Summer Paralympics closing ceremony
Bandstand Marathon