THE Olympics are on the their way to Britain — and Swansea

joined in the celebrations with a sing-a-long party broadcast

live across the country.

More than 300 people filled Castle Square yesterday to watch

the spectacular closing ceremony of the Beijing games on the

giant outdoor screen, with the Olympic flag being passed to the

next host city, London.

The crowd then linked-up with parties being held around the

UK to welcome the games to the country — with Swansea

contributing a mass rendition of the Tom Jones classic

Delilah.

Lord Mayor of Swansea Gareth Sullivan said: "It was great to

see so many people taking part in the event.

"We are all full of enthusiasm for the Olympics, and I hope

we will keep that going for the next four years.

"Hopefully, Swansea and the whole of Wales will benefit from

the games coming to London.

"We have some fantastic sporting facilities around Swansea,

not just for elite athletes but for everyone."

The singing was led by the Morriston Phoenix Choir.

Conductor Sian Pearce said: "There are two great things in

this world that can unite nations — one is sport and the other

is singing.

"How else but in music can everybody all take breath at the

same time?

"We are proud to be British and proud to be Welsh, and this

is a chance to celebrate the 2012 games in London."

The Lord Mayor was joined by Swansea's former Olympians

Berwyn Price and Glenda Phillips to raise a special Olympic

flag in recognition of Britain being the next host country.

After the singing to the nation, the crowd settled back to

watch a concert beamed to the big screen from outside

Buckingham Palace featuring a host of performers including

Neath singing superstar Katherine Jenkins, McFly, The Feeling

and Will Young.

Among the enthusiastic Castle Square singers were Melanie

Coffey, from Tycoch, and Karen Horton, from Loughor.

Karen said: "It was a fabulous event.

"It was lovely to be able to unite the city — and the

country — in song."