London kicked off the 2012 Olympics with a lavish ceremony featuring everyone from Will & Kate to Paul Simon and a flock of sheep. See photos.
A general view of the inside of the stadium during the opening ceremonies.
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Cricketers play cricket on the pitch during the preshow prior to the opening ceremonies.
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A shepherdess tends her flock during the opening ceremonies. Part of creative director Danny Boyle’s concept was to take a visual tour through British history and culture.
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Prince William and his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, await the start of the opening ceremonies.
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Rings representing both the Olympics and the Industrial Revolution are lit.
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Actors evoke the Industrial Revolution during the opening ceremonies.
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Performers depict a view of the English countryside during the opening ceremonies.
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London Mayor Boris Johnson and his wife, Marina Wheeler.
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Actors perform in a sequence meant to represent Britain's National Health Service.
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Artists strike a variety of English poses during the opening ceremonies.
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British Prime Minister David Cameron stands with his wife, Samantha, and Anne, Princess Royal, at the opening ceremonies.
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Celebrators gather in London’s Trafalgar Square on opening day.
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British singer Simon Le Bon and guitar player John Taylor, from the band Duran Duran, perform on stage in London’s Hyde Park to help kick off the Games.
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A general view of the the set depicting the English countryside during the opening ceremonies.
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Spectators brave the rain prior the opening ceremonies.
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Lauren Jackson of the Australian Olympic basketball team carries her country’s flag as she leads the Australian team into the stadium.
Cameron Spencer
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Chris Hoy of the British Olympic cycling team carries his country’s flag during the opening ceremonies.
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People watch the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games on a television in central London.
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Fireworks over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremonies.
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Fireworks shown inside the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremonies.
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