Lang Lang carries the Olympic Torch

1. Lang Lang carries the Olympic Torch

Lang Lang swapped his usual smart suit for a tracksuit as he carried the Olympic Torch through the streets of Essex.

2. 300-metre leg

The sun was out as Lang Lang started his 300-metre leg in the early afternoon.

3. The Queen's Theatre

The Chinese pianist was cheered by the crowds who lined the streets of the London Borough of Havering as he carried the torch to The Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch.

4. Excited

Before his leg, Lang Lang told China Daily, "I am really excited today, I'm proud, but it is a different kind of pride from four years ago."

5. Beijing Olympics

This isn't the first time Lang Lang has had the honour of carrying the Olympic Flame; he ran through the streets of Tiananmen Square before the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

6. Olympic London

Lang Lang was thrilled at the opportunity to carry the torch. At the end of his leg, he jumped on stage, shouting: "Thank you everyone, Olympic London."

7. Representing China

Lang Lang said he was proud to be representing Chinese young people. "The Beijing Olympics greatly boosted the influence of China in the world," he said. "Now that people in the world are knowing more about China, I am proud to be representing the Chinese for the torch relay."

8. Cultural Olympiad

Lang, who played Latitude Festival last weekend is in the UK as an ambassador as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

9. London Fire Brigade Fireboat

Lang passed the Olympic Flame to Aaron Reynolds from Sidcup who carried it across the River Thames in a London Fire Brigade Fireboat accompanied by a flotilla of smaller craft.

10. Hottest ticket in town

Lang revealed he had one of the hottest tickets in town, telling China Daily: "I have got a ticket to the Opening Ceremony, and the men's singles competitions of table tennis."