21. London is illuminated by a stunning firework display as the Opening Ceremony reaches a
crescendo
22. Strict operations: A group of police officers gather together outside the Olympics stadium in
Stratford, east London, and take security instructions from a senior policeman in plain clothes
23. Officers wait on a street outside the Olympics stadium as the final preparations for the event are
put in place. There are added tensions after security blunders by G4S
24. Costume contest: A Brazilian and a Brit compete for the most creative Opening Ceremony
costume in the Olympic Park
25. Ready, steady, go!: Crowds start to arrive in Stratford shortly after 5, ahead of the Opening
Ceremony tonight
26. Crowds pour through the Olympic Park as audience members start to fill the stadium
27. Performers in period costume as nurses pose as they arrive for the Opening Ceremony
28. The Red Arrows fly past as a giant clock countdowns to the start of the Opening Ceremony
29. Performers in costume gather on the field with animals before before the opening ceremony of
the Olympic Games
30. Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge take in the pre-show after arriving
at the Opening Ceremony
31. The world gathers in Stratford: Fans from Ethiopia, draped in their country's flag arrive for the
Opening Ceremony
32. Showcase: Three young people in the crowd try out their 3D glasses at the Opening Ceremony at
the Olympic Stadium
33. Animals, including geese take to the stage against a backdrop of artificial clouds and a giant
water wheel during the opening ceremony
43. Oh look the Yanks have got there first: Ryan Musgrave of Chicago holds up a U.S. flag
44. Supporting Team GB: Spectators adorned with with the Union Jack flags pose in the Olympic Park
prior to the start of the ceremony
45. An excited British fan is among the first to arrive in the stadium. Each audience member will find
a Cadbury's chocolate bar and a interactive wand under their seat
46. The giant Olympic Bell strikes an imposing figure at the end of the stadium. The bell will ring
during the show, marking the start of the Games