Blur, New Order and The Specials to appear at the BT London Live 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony Concert in Hyde Park - tickets Friday 24th Feb

BT London Live featuring Blur

It's just a matter of months before the 2012 London Olympics begins in East London with the entire nation set to either visit the Olympic Park site, watch it on TV and online or leave the country to escape the hype. However, before you book your extended flight to Australia, you might want to consider this little beauty (and I'm being ironic by using the word 'little').

Just as the Games will be coming to a close, in what promises to be a spectacular closing ceremony, Blur, New Order and The Specials will be chiming out the hits a few miles west in Hyde Park. Sorry residents but the iconic open space will be holding another very exciting music extravaganza to bring the Olympic phenomenon to a close - after all, why should athletes have all the fun (they'll be too tired from wearing all those gold medals to be leaping about)?

Truly, the Best of British has been unveiled for the snappily-titled BT London Live Closing Ceremony Celebration Concert - Blur have been awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at tonight's (Tuesday) BRITS, mainly for providing the soundtrack to a generation who, despite being 10 to 20 years older, won't stop themselves from indulging in a spot of parental-dancing to 'Girls and Boys', 'Country House' and the ubiquitous 'Parklife' - know what I mean?

New Order's recent renaissance continues with this rare London appearance that will no doubt feature a spot of 'True Faith', 'Blue Monday', 'Regret' and, hopefully, 'Bizarre Love Triangle'. Finally, nearby residents can dance their chops off to The Specials' perfect Brit blend of Two Tone ska/reggae anthems - living in a ghost town? Not on this night, you won't be.

Tickets for the entire day's entertainment, which will include more special guests and a full festival atmosphere, cost from £55 and go on sale at 9am on Friday 24th February. Doors open at 14:30.

In addition, BT London Live will be announcing an Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert in due course. We imagine Westminster Council will be manning the complaints lines on both nights.

Paul Pledger

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