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More than 100,000 people were part of Sparks will fly in Essex as this three month countywide celebration of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad came to a spectacular end  in Hylands Park Chelmsford on on 6 July 2012. This pyrotecncic finale performance concluded the journey of Marina and Boreas travelling through Essex engaging participants, audiences and Essex Ambassador Volunteers from Harwich, Saffron Walden, Stansted, Basildon, Harlow, Hockley, Grays, Braintree, Maldon, Canvey Island, Southend-on-Sea, Waltham Abbey, Colchester and Brentwood before reaching their final destination at Chelmsford following the Torch Relay Celebrations where audiences watched an electrifying performance including the arrival of the Red Devils, the Glass Bead showdown and a fire work extragaganza. Sparks will Fly Finale in .

Hylands Park, Chelmsford played host to a special occasion with three distinct elements, each with their own unique quality and all taking place 16.00 – 22.30.

This began with the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration. The live stage show was one of 66 performances that will take place around the country as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. It featured exciting entertainment by the three Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners; Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, as well as specially choreographed performances by Pinpoint Create and Walk the Plank working Chelmsford community groups and large-scale audience participation. The show also included the unveiling of an extraordinary glass bead representing Chelmsford, created by local artists. The bead was presented to the Sparks will Fly champions in preparation for the finale. The culmination of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration was of course be the arrival of the Torch and the lighting of the onstage cauldron from the Olympic Flame.

Following the Torch Relay Evening Celebration, the audience were invited into an adjacent area of the event site to feast, drink and play. A huge variety of refreshments were available including the best of Essex food and drink. There was plenty to do with displays of community sports and arts suitable for all the family. Local music, dance and other performances mixed with inspiring examples of physical prowess, accessible have-a-go sports sessions and an abundance of arts and crafts activities.

As the sun set, the world-renowned Red Devils Parachute Display Team descended on Hylands Park with a spectacular display carrying with them the final glass bead to enable the game to begin in the Sparks will Fly: Essex Finale.

The two great champions Boreas Zephyr and Marina Mightier completed their marathon journeys across Essex and came face-to-face for the first time. The expectant crowd were led towards the performance arena where Marina and Boreas competed resulting in a stunning finale to the evening with pyrotechnics, special effects and a spectcular firework display to finish. The finale show was created by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank,

Sparks will Fly: Essex Finale & Chelmsford welcomes the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay was part of the London 2012 Festival.

Click here to view photos and videos of the Event>>