Rising star: Molly performs at the Countdown Fun Day

BGT star Molly Rainford performs at Olympic fest in Barking

John Phillips, Senior Reporter Tuesday, June 26, 2012
10:14 AM

Britain’s Got Talent sensation Molly Rainford took the stage by storm as Barking marked the countdown to the Olympics.

Zumba: Children and grown-ups join the masterclass with the Olympic mascots

The Barking schoolgirl performed with dancers and singers on Saturday for Countdown Fun Day on Abbey Green in The Broadway.

Tribute acts Counterfeit Kylie and Maybe Gaga also performed, with face painting and extreme sports among the activities.

Daredevils enjoyed high jinks on a tightrope, a zip wire, cycling tandems and pranks on a canoe simulator without water.

Olympic mascots Wenlock and Mandeville took part in a Zumba masterclass and cover band the Jacob Project played party tunes from the 60s to the present day.

An extreme sports competition, the Countdown Team Challenge held on the green on Friday, was a curtain-raiser for the festivities.

On Sunday residents cheered athletes taking part in a Dagenham triathlon. It featured a 400m swim at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre in Wood Lane, cycling for 20km around the town and then a 5km run in Central Park in Wood Lane.

The festivities are to draw to a close tomorrow (Wednesday) with a competition for older sports fans, the Countdown 50+ Sports Challenge, at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre including swimming, bowls, badminton and gym fitness.