2,008 drummers beat countdown to opening

When Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympics, it fielded 2,000 musicians for the opening ceremony. Beijing yesterday upped the ante by eight, and that was before the official ceremony started.

A total of 2,008 musicians created a field of drums on the floor of the National Stadium last night, beating out a thunderous countdown to the exact moment for the start of the Games, accompanied by a roar of approval from the crowd.

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.