All aboard – destination Beijing. A red double-decker bus, symbol of London, will burst into the arena at the closing ceremony of this summer’s Olympic Games, carrying stars such as David Beckham and Leona Lewis, to herald Britain’s hosting of the 2012 Olympiad.

The open-top bus is already en route by container ship to China.

Once inside the 90,000-seat Beijing National Stadium, built to resemble a bird’s nest, Beckham is expected to hop off to kick footballs with children representing every country in the world. At the next “stop” inside the £250m arena, Lewis, who won the X Factor talent show in 2006, will perform to a glo-bal television audience forecast to number 1.5 billion. Then the two stars will link arms as 40 dancers from groups as diverse as London’s hip-hop scene and the Royal Opera strut their stuff.

The £2m extravaganza, lasting just eight minutes, is London’s contribution to the closing ceremony on Sunday August 24. It will be mirrored by a show in Trafalgar Square and street parties in 10 other cities, including Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester.

The bus is believed to be an AEC Routemaster on loan from Transport for London.

Another passenger will be Boris Johnson, mayor of London, who will receive the Olympic host flag from Jacques Rogge, chairman of the International Olympic Committee.

The London section of the closing ceremony is based on the themes of journey and transformation.

“This is to be London’s calling card, showcasing what our Games are going to be all about,” said Bill Morris, director of culture, events and education for London 2012.

Both Beckham, who was a key figure in the bid that won the games, and Lewis confirmed they had been approached and were hoping to take part.

“They want David for the ceremony. We are not going to say what he is going to do because it is planned as a big reveal,” said a source close to the footballer. “He is seen as an example of the modern face of London and the UK. They are not going to get him dancing, though.”

A spokeswoman for Lewis said: “Leona was born in Hackney, in east London, close to where the Olympics are to be held, and would love to do it.”

Martin Green, head of ceremonies for London 2012, said there had been “an enormous amount” of discussions with the Chinese over the British contribution. “It’s their show . . . We won’t try to challenge them,” he said.