19 May 2012Last updated at 20:58

2012 Olympic rings unveiled in front of Belfast City Hall

The rings remain hidden under a black sheet as crowds arrive to catch the first glimpse of the rings being unveiled.

The official London 2012 mascot Wenlock was also on hand to meet local children who had come along to see the rings.

Former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon starts the countdown with Paralympic skier Kelly Gallagher, torch bearers Yu Xiong, Claire Scullion and Olympic medallist Paddy Barnes.

Belfast Lord Mayor Niall O'Donnghaile and Minister for Sport Caral Ni Chuilin enjoy the entertainment at City Hall.

The sheet is dropped to unveil the Olympic Rings. The five rings represent the continents involved in the Olympics. The symbol was designed in 1912

The Olympic Torch will visit Northern Ireland as part of the torch relay ahead of the games in London this summer.

Niall O'Donnghaile (Lord Mayor of Belfast), Caral Ni Chuilin (Minister for Sport) and Owen Patterson (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland) are photographed with performance group InstantAction.

Some spectators remarked on how it was difficult to spot the rings when looking directly at Belfast City Hall

Northern Ireland

2012 Olympic rings unveiled in front of Belfast City Hall

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