Newham council and community groups organised a day of free activities and events to celebrate the passage of the Torch Relay and to look forward to 2012 when Newham will be the main host borough for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Activities ranged from have a go sports activities, a spectacular carnival procession of 300 school children and a roadshow and talent context organised by London 2012, to a unique sound and dance show with aerial artists performed along the Relay route on the roof of Stratford library.

A festive atmosphere endured despite the adverse weather earlier in the day and fears about disruptive protests.

Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said: "I am delighted that more than 20,000 people gathered on the streets of Stratford yesterday for the Olympic Torch relay. It really did show what hosting the Games in 2012 means to our community.

There was a real family atmosphere, despite the poor weather. The Olympic ethos is about the world coming together and individuals aspiring to achieve great things. Our diverse community lives in harmony and we saw that again yesterday.

The Olympic flame is a symbol of unity and it was right that the torch relay should have been celebrated and where better than here. It was a shame however that some people missed out when relay organisers and the police made a late decision not to follow the original plan.

I was as disappointed as many of you by that decision, but I am sure the decision was not taken lightly following events elsewhere. I support the right of people to protest, as long as it is done peacefully.

It was compensated by the fantastic colourful carnival procession that more than 300 of our young people took part in. A lot of effort had gone into making the costumes and it was a fantastic occasion. It showed Newham knows how to party and has grasped the true spirit of the Games.

When the Beijing Games ends later this year the focus will turn to London and Newham in particular. Between now and 2012 there will be more opportunities to celebrate and we intend to make sure our communities are at the heart of it all."