London 2012 Olympics: The Opening Ceremony - Rowan Atkinson, Sir Simon Rattle, the LSO and more!
We were as gripped by the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony as anyone else. It had a distinctly classical music flavour and, with The London Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Barenboim and Sir Simon Rattle appearing, it was an event to be proud of.
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1. Bradley Wiggins gets the party started
Tour de France champ Bradley Wiggins kicks off the London 2012 Opening Ceremony by ringing the Olympic bell.
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2. Bradley WIgging begins the 2012 Opening Ceremony
Recent Tour de France champion and British cyclist Bradley Wiggins strikes the Olympic Bell to begin the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
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3. Kenneth Branagh as Isambard Kingdom Brunel
The celebrated actor played a central role in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.
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4. Stratford's night sky is lit up...
A spectacular firework display takes place over the London 2012 Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony.
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5. London 2012 Opening Ceremony - a bird's eye view
A different perspective on one of the greatest Olympic opening ceremonies in history.
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6. The Opening Ceremony and the industrial age
In a dazzling production, Artistic Director Danny Boyle tells the story of the UK - from pastoral scenes, through to the industrial and digital age.
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7. Five steel Olympic rings rise into the sky
As a climax to the London 2012 Opening Ceremony's 'Industrail Age' scene, five Olympic rings float into the sky from a forge.
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8. Bedknobs and Broomsticks Opening Ceremony
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9. JK Rowling Opening Ceremony
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10. Rowan Atkinson takes a bow
Following his hilarious rendition of Chariots Of Fire, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, Rowan Atkinson takes a bow.
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11. Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra
During one of the night's lighter moments, Sir Simon Rattle conducts the LSO through a version of Chariots of Fire... with Mr Bean
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12. Simon Rattle Chariots of Fire
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13. Chariots of Fire Rowan Atkinson
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14. Lonbdon Symphony Orchestra at the Opening Ceremony
The LSO played a brilliant - and hilarious - role at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
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15. Mr Bean and the London Symphony Orchestra
Rowan Atkinson brings the house down as his comic character Mr Bean joins in with the LSO for a rendition of Chariots Of Fire.
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16. London 2012 Olympics - The Opening Ceremony
A huge light show and spectacular fireworks defined an amazing night.
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17. Drummers at the Olympic Opening Ceremony
And where would an Olympic Opening Ceremony be without drummers? And lots of them...
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18. The digital age at the London 2012 Olympics
In a ceremony celebrating technology and the digital age, a British house plays host to the technological developments over the past few decades.
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19. The London 2012 Olympic Ceremony
Among one of the most touching scenes, a dancer is hoisted towards the sun.
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20. An amazing view of the London 2012 Stadium
The Olympic stadium is lit up during the Opening Ceremony.
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21. Beatlemania at the London 2012 Olympics
The Beatles' Yellow Submarine makes an appearance at the Olympics.
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22. Fireworks celebrate the Olympics' arrival
Another dazzling scene as Artistic Director Danny Boyle spectacularly signals the arrival of the Olympics in London.
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23. Fireworks above the London 2012 Olympic Ceremony
An extraordinary ceremony is crowned by a huge firework display.
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24. The amazing scenes inside the London 2012 Olympic Stadium
An incredible light show illuminates the incredible Olympic Stadium in Stratford.
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25. Fireworks over London
A dazzling firework display lights up London.
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26. NHS workers and patients from Great Ormond Street Hospital
In a tribute to the sterling work of the NHS, its workers, some patients of Great Ormond Street Hospital and dancers paid tribute to their tireless efforts.
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27. Her Majesty The Queen opens The Olympics
After Lord Sebastian Coe had addressed the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, Her Majesty the Queen officially declared the Games open.
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28. Daniel Barenboim Olympic Opening Ceremony
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29. Sir Chris Hoy and Team GB
Sir Chris Hoy proudly leads the British athletes set to take part in The London 2012 Olympics over the next couple of weeks.
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30. Team GB arrive at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony
Sir Chris Hoy leads out Team GB at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
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31. Daniel Barenboim carries the Olympic flag
Daniel Barenboim is among those selected to take the Olympic Flag in to the London 2012 stadium.
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32. Lord Sebastian Coe addresses the London 2012 Opening Ceremony
Before the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, Lord Sebastian Coe addresses the stadium.
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33. The Olympic Flag is hoisted above London
Members of the Armed Forces march the Olympic Flag to be raised above the London 2012 Stadium.
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34. Nimrod
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35. Fireworks above the Olympic stadium
The venue for much of the track and field events is lit up with fireworks.
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36. Sir Steve Redgrave
Following much speculation over who would light the Olympic Cauldron, SIr Steve Redgrave passes the torch on to seven young British athletes, who finally signal the official beginning of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
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37. The lighting of the Olympic Cauldron
The games officially get underway.
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38. The stunning finale...
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39. Fireworks above the London 2012 Olympic Ceremony
An extraordinary ceremony is crowned by a huge firework display.
