Dramatic finale for Wiltshire's Olympic celebrations (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Dramatic finale for Wiltshire's Olympic celebrations

9:05am Thursday 12th July 2012 in News By Mike Wilkinson, Senior Reporter

Wiltshire’s Olympic celebrations came to a close on Thursday morning when the Torch Relay left the county.

It now edges closer to its final destination, London 2012, which begins in 15 days time.

Four-time Olympic gold medallist and sprinter Michael Johnson carried the flame at Stonehenge and from Salisbury Cathedral earlier today.

Thousands of people lined the streets of the Salisbury and Wilton areas to watch the Torch Relay before heading out to work and school.

All eyes were on the south of the county yesterday too as 35,000 people from across Wiltshire descended on Hudson’s Field, at the foot of the Old Sarum, near Salisbury, for an Olympics-themed festival.

Performers from across the county were showing off their talents to the crowds.

A year of preparations by Wiltshire Council culminated in the day’s extraordinary events.

Local acts, including singers, dancers and musicians, starred alongside big name performers including rapper Wretch 32 and Britain’s Got Talent dance act Twist and Pulse.

They were being quickly followed by the arrival of the Olympic torch at 6.50pm with a cauldron being lit on stage.

The party reached fever pitch when classic ABBA songs were performed by tribute band Bjorn Again.

An impressive fireworks display over Old Sarum brought the event to a close.