THE best of British pop and rock musicians past and present came together to bring the curtain down on London's Olympic Games.

Legendary acts from the past five decades put on a stunning show as a fitting farewell to the events of the last 16 days - with the honour of kicking off the party falling to Scots songstress and former Glasgow University student Emeli Sande, left.

The closing ceremony –dubbed The Symphony of British Music gig – cost around £20million to stage and saw greats such as The Who and Ray Davies of The Kinks share the stage with current pop acts One Direction and Jessie J.

George Michael, Blur, Tinie Tempah, Fatboy Slim, The Pet Shop Boys, Beady Eye, Annie Lennox and Madness also appeared in the procession of talent, which was watched by more than 300million television viewers worldwide.

Reuniting for one night only, the Spice Girls – whose performance at the closing ceremony has been one of the most talked about gigs of the year – went through a medley of their hits.

Storming the stage atop black cabs which reflected their individual personalities, the five emerged to rapturous applause to perform their first hit single, Wannabe.

Even pouting Posh Spice managed to crack a smile as the group drove about the stage in their cabs and belted out Spice Up Your Life. And Geri rocked in a red dress with Union Jack detailing.

Offbeat comic Russell Brand gave the crowd bizarre renditions of the soundtrack to the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Pure Imagination, and The Beat- les' I Am The Walrus.

As fireworks exploded above the stadium, The Who performed My Generation while the venue became a sea of red, white and blue confetti.

Olympics boss Jacques Rogge ended the 2012 Games, declaring: "Thank you, London!"

The president of the International Olympic Committee paid tribute to the host city, describing the London Games as "happy and glorious".

He added: "You have shown the world the best of British hospitality."

US President Barack Obama phoned Prime Minister David Cameron to offer his congratulations for a "brilliant" Olympics.

A White House spokesman said: "President Obama called Prime Minister Cameron today to congratulate him and the people of the United Kingdom and London on an extremely successful Olympic games, which speaks to the character and spirit of our close ally.

"Both leaders commended the exceptional performances by both the Olympic teams of the United States and Great Britain and noted how proud we all are of them."

Prince Harry, who represented the Queen at the closing ceremony, said The Games had been an "extraordinary" event.

He added: "They will stay in the hearts and minds of people all over the world for a very long time to come."

"I congratulate all who have competed. They have shown us there are few boundaries to human endeavour.

"Demonstrating great pride in representing their countries, these men and women have inspired everyone with their determination and their sportsmanship."

Newspapers and media outlets from around the world also praised Britain for "one of the most successful Olympics in recent times".

Todd Ant, from ABC Sports, America, said: "This has been one of the best Games ever.

"I always thought Sydney – which hosted the 2000 Games – was untouchable, but I think it has been touched by Britain."

Meanwhile, Greg Baum, of the Sydney Morning Herald: "London, you didn't half do a decent job.

"These Olympics had Sydney's vibrancy, Athens' panache, Beijing's efficiency, and added British know-how and drollery."

rebecca.gray@heraldandtimes.co.uk