2012 Olympic Flame's Valedictory Lap Around London In Pictures

The Olympic torch took the final lap of its 8,000 mile relay around London Thursday, a day before the official start of the 2012 Olympics games, amid much festivity and fervor. More than 10 million people reportedly hit the streets as the flame traveled through Great Britain's landmarks.

From celebrities, politicians and sportspersons to the common man, several hundred torchbearers carried the flame across the cities and villages of Britain, igniting the Olympic spirit.

The torch was welcomed throughout its passage by cheering crowds who thronged to see the flame and be a part of history in the making.

"It was pretty cool to see it actually. It was like: 'Wow, it's the torch!' We weren't expecting it," said 19-year-old Anastasia Gribaldi, as reported by AP.

The flame will complete its 70-day journey on Friday, when it will light up the Olympic Stadium's cauldron in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games. The identity of the final torchbearer is being kept a closely guarded secret. However, the main contenders for the honor are said to be Sir Steve Redgrave, Daley Thompson, Prince William, David Beckham, Kelly Holmes and Roger Bannister.

The torch passed through the Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing St and the Buckingham Palace, across the London's river Thames, Regent's canal in Camden on Oxford Street as thousands of people gathered to get a glimpse of the flame.