‘Democratic’ London Games will top Beijing: Minister

The London Olympics organisers have faced questions about how they hope to match the spectacle put on by Beijing earlier this month, particularly the lavish opening ceremony.

“We don’t want to try to emulate Beijing. What we want is new ways of thinking about the opening ceremony,” Jowell said.

“We want the whole of London to be involved, with different parts of London taking part in the ceremony. The London Games must be deeply democratic, with the city’s citizens feeling they’re intimately involved. I think what you will see is a very vivid sense of celebration right across the city at both the opening and closing ceremonies.”

Jowell said the Beijing Games were very impressive but London could improve on them in a number of areas.

“In terms of great organisation, fantastic facilities, and a welcoming attitude and pride among the people, Beijing was superb,” she said.

“But there are things we can and will do better. I saw lots and lots of Chinese people standing outside stadiums, on the wrong part of a perimeter fence, as observers rather than participants. We must reverse that trend and make sure our Olympics are more accessible.”