Performers take part in a pre-show at the Olympic Stadium before the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
REUTERS
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Performers flood London’s Olympic Stadium Friday evening in a massive tribute to British history, art and literature to kick off the London Olympic games.
EPA
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The fireworks show dazzles from the stadium’s rim.
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A pastoral scene opened the show, highlighting Britain’s rural roots.
EPA
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A cyclist takes wing above a group of winged companions.
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Earlier, the Red Arrows left a trail across the sky.
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The fireworks show lights up the sky for blocks around Olympic Stadium.
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A union jack-clad home crowd cheers as the Olympic Cauldron is lit.
AP
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Sir Paul McCartney leads the crows in a sing-along of “Hey Jude.”
AP
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Britain’s olympians enter the stadium to a raucous ovation and sheets of confetti.
EPA
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A troupe of dancers takes center stage as the show continues.
EPA
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Stems lit by seven young torchbearers rise to form the Olympic Cauldron as athletes (and their camera phones) look on.
Reuters
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Comic actor Rowan Atkinson, best known as Mr. Bean, plays with the orchestra.
AP
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Actors perform during a pre-show in the Olympic Stadium before the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
REUTERS
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Performers are seen during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
EPA
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Performers during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
EPA
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An actress performs in a pastoral scene with sheep, before the start of the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.
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Performers dressed as nurses make their way to the Olympic Stadium before the start of the official opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
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Actors wait for the beginning of the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in London.
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Performers lead a horse across the stadium during the preshow prior to the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London.
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General View of a rural scene created inside the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in London.
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The Red Arrows fly over Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Park in London, England.
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