The brief requested a design reflecting a "summer of gaiety and good looks" The logo (which Games called an emblem) uses the traditional red, white and blue colours of the Union Flag.
The main device incorporates a profile of Britannia's head, with crested helmet, on the "north" point of a four-pointed compass rose.
The logo adorned many official publications and souvenirs including beer mats, paper napkins, egg cups, brass pokers and plastic cocktail sticks.
[citation needed] A large, 40 feet (12 m) three-dimensional Festival Star was also made and hung over Northumberland Street, London as a focal point for the celebrations.
[1] The four-pointed star was made by Essex Aero from 763 square feet (70.9 m2) of lightweight magnesium sheeting, weighing in at only 1,790 pounds (810 kg).