NAYPYIDAW — It was certainly not by design, but the motley collection of costume-clad dancers, performers and rattan-ball juggling boys outside Naypyidaw’s Wunna Theikdi Stadium had already kicked off an impromptu carnival-like show hours before last night’s closing ceremony extravaganza for the 27th SEA Games.

Spectators milling about the 30,000-seat arena were treated to an up-close experience — and photo sessions — with many performers ahead of their appearance in the wrap-up party for the region’s biggest sporting event.

Over the past 12 days, they savoured the experience and joy of Myanmar’s biggest coming-out party in 44 years since the nation last hosted the Games in 1969. And as the stadium lights dimmed for the closing celebrations last night, a sea of red, blue and green glow sticks danced and waved all night as the country bade farewell to two weeks of sports, friendship and entertainment.

Even local athletics legend Jennifer Tin Lay — she owns a record 15 gold in the shot put and discus at the SEA Games — was spotted waving a clapper to the show’s music.

The loudest cheers were reserved for the local heroes — 86 gold, 52 silver and 85 bronze medallists — who took centre stage on a night of cultural dance, traditional songs, dazzling light shows and fireworks.

Loud applause and cheers also rang out as Singapore — hosts of the next SEA Games in 2015 — put on an energetic eight-minute display comprising hip-hop dance, sports-inspired moves and crowd-pleasing local songs.

Yesterday’s ceremony also saw Tint Hsan, Chairman of the Myanmar SEA Games Organising Committee, handing over the SEA Games flag to Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Singapore’s Acting Manpower Minister and executive committee member of the Singapore National Olympic Council.

There were also impromptu moments of amusement for Team Singapore as the paddlers and divers marched out for the athletes’ parade with the Muay martial arts contingent.

The closing song, Let’s Meet Again, echoed around the cavernous stadium, as Singapore looks to deliver a similarly warm welcome to its ASEAN neighbours on June 2015 at the 55,000-seat National Stadium.