Tokyo Olympics Closing Ceremony: TIme, Date And What To Expect

The entire Summer Olympic games this year have had to happen behind closed doors after Japan declared a state of emergency just before the games started. Athletes' families and supporters have had to cheer them on from home this year, but the Olympic spirit has been as fiery as ever.

The same will go for the closing ceremony of this year's games, which will take place this weekend.

Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony date and time

Although not all of the events have finished at the Olympics yet, and there's still the Paralympic Games to come, the closing ceremony for Tokyo 2020 takes place on Sunday 8th August 2021 at 8pm local time (12pm BST) inside the Olympic Stadium.

Due to concerns about Coronavirus spreading, all athletes have been asked to leave Tokyo within 48 hours of the closing ceremony. With many athletes already home following the end of their events and the 48-hour window to leave the city following the games, there'll be a considerably smaller reception at this year's closing ceremony.

How does the Olympics closing ceremony work?

The theme for this year's artistic display at the closing ceremony is "Worlds We Share," which "expresses the idea that each of us inhabits their own world."

"The philosophy and ceremonial aspects which surround the Olympic Games distinguish them from all other international sports events," says the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Through music, song, dance and fireworks, the opening and closing ceremonies invite people to discover the culture of the country in which the Games are taking place." And the opening ceremony certainly captured the essence of Japan - a country which is simultaneously steeped in tradition and progression.

Olympics closing ceremony order of events

As well as spectacular artistic displays, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics also has a specific protocol.

As always, the Antwerp ceremony, which is the passing of the Olympic flag from the mayor of the current host city back to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is always a key part of the closing ceremony.

But before that, the national anthem of the host country is played and the flags of the competing nations are carried in by one selected athlete from each team. There are then lots of speeches and acknowledgements to be made and some medals are also handed out at the closing ceremony.

There's a whole host of traditional segments in the closing ceremony and towards the end, there's the artistic display. The ceremony will incorporate elements of French culture in the artistic display this year to acknowledge the Paris 2024 Summer Games.

How to watch the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony in the UK

The closing ceremony will be covered live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button as well as Eurosport and Discovery Plus.