Rocking the Games Makers

The London 2012 Games Makers celebrated their first anniversary, and the Pandemonium Drummers were there to kick the party off in a spectacular fashion.

More than 400 Games Makers attended the party in the stylish King's Suite at the Hilton London Metropole.

After a concert by the Games Maker Choir, a few introductory speeches and some video sequences to review the success of the London 2012 Games, a specially edited video of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony's Pandemonium sequence started to play.

An event-specific performance...

A few minutes into the video, just after Caliban's Speech, the drummers made a hidden surprise entry and started drumming on a podium to enthusiastic cheers.

The drummers then moved into the audience, returned to the podium and finally lined up among the crowd to start a countdown, at the end of which the doors to the dining hall were opened.

In the dining hall, guests were received by David Bowie's Heroes, with the drummers playing along.

With appreciative applause and a few tears in a number of eyes, the drummers left the hall and joined the Games Makers to enjoy the party.

...and a venue-specific performance

The Pandemonium Drummers pulled off the show with only minimal rehearsal time just before the performance itself.

This was made possible by more detailed planning than usual, which took account of the room features to create a venue-specific performance.

Have a look at the drummers' choreography notes, which were distributed a week before the performance.

Thanks to all Games Makers for giving us such a warm reception!

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ABOUTPandemonium Drummers

The Pandemonium Drummers were originally put together by London 2012 Ceremonies for the Pandemonium segment of Danny Boyle's spectacular Olympic Opening Ceremony. Following the Ceremony, the volunteer drummers kept on performing at a variety of events.

Based on their extensive training, they performed at other Opening Ceremonies, including the UEFA Champions League Final 2013, the FA Cup Final 2014, and the Heineken Cup Final 2014, and at a variety of large and small festivals as well as sports and community events. The Pandemonium Drummers are a returning act in London's major parades, including the London New Years' Day Parade, St Patrick's Day Parade, and the Lord Mayor's Show, and they coined Cheer Drumming, supporting runners at major sports events across the capital and beyond. The Pandemonium Drummers have supported the Special Olympics, the Teenage Cancer Trust, and a wide range of other charities.

The Pandemonium Drummers are a constituted association with charitable aims, and are working on a non-profit basis as volunteers.

[ More about the Pandemonium Drummers ]