Best British Talent Signed Up to Produce London 2012 Closing Ceremonies

The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) announced today the appointments of leading British creatives for the Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Leading UK live events, theatre and TV choreographer and creative director Kim Gavin has been appointed as the Artistic Director for the Closing Ceremonies for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Kim is the creative director behind the shows and performances by record breaking British band Take That, including the critically acclaimed Circus shows at Wembley Stadium and throughout the UK in 2010 and their forthcoming European Progress Tour with Robbie Williams. The trained ballet dancer has choreographed and directed many BRIT Award performances, the Concert for Diana and the Help the Heroes Concert.

Film Composer and record producer David Arnold, the composer and producer behind five James Bond films, Independence Day, Stargate, Chronicles of Narnia, Made in Dagenham, the newly released Simon Pegg/Nick Frost movie 'Paul', as well as records by Dame Shirley Bassey, George Michael, KD Lang, Iggy Pop, Bjork and the Kaiser Chiefs, joins the team as the Music Director for the Olympic and Paralympic Closing Ceremonies.

Es Devlin has been appointed as Designer for the Olympic Closing Ceremony. Es has recently designed Lady Gaga's ‘Monster Ball’ US Tour, and tours for Muse, Kanye West, Take That and the Pet Shop Boys. She also designs opera, drama and dance for the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, English National Opera, National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Sadlers Wells. Es was awarded TPi Stage Designer of the Year 2010 and 2011.

Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Chair, said: “We’re delighted that the best of British creative talent have joined us and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies are certainly in the best possible hands.”

Kim Gavin said: “I'm honoured to have been asked to be the Artistic Director for the Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm really excited to be involved in the planning for the celebration which will close what I'm sure will be a fantastic Games.”

Es Devlin said: “I am delighted to be part of 'the greatest show on earth'. We are envisaging a truly imaginative celebration and I’m honoured to be part of the team.”

David Arnold said: “To be involved in the London 2012 Closing Ceremonies, where we celebrate the achievements of the best of the world’s athletes, is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a huge honour. As a nation we excel throughout the world in music, and our team will be readying an electrifying and thrilling soundtrack for this spectacular event.”

Stephen Daldry, Executive Producer for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, said: “As Executive Producers we are committed to attract the best talent in the world into key roles, and these appointments today certainly do that. We’re delighted to welcome Kim, Es and David on board and look forward to developing wonderful celebrations for the Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

In addition to these appointments, the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony Artistic Director Danny Boyle has appointed the award winning designer Thomas Heatherwick to design the Olympic Cauldron for the Games.

This announcement follows the appointment of Danny Boyle as Artistic Director of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, and a talented team of Executive Producers led by Stephen Daldry to oversee the Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies in 2012.

An announcement on the Artistic Director for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games will be made in the summer.