Olympic Games 27 July - 12 August

The Italian Olympic team enters the stadium

Valentina Vezzali of the Italian Olympic team carries her country's flag during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. Five-time gold medal winner Vezzali is performing in her fifth Olympic Games in the women's Fencing, which starts on Saturday.

The Queen with Jacques Rogge

The Queen and Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), attend the Opening Ceremony. Rogge competed as a yachtsman over three Olympics - 1968, 1972 and 1976. This is his final Games as President of the IOC, a position he's held since 2001.

Fireworks light up the stadium

Fireworks ignite over the Olympic Stadium during the stunning Opening Ceremony.

The Olympic Cauldron is lit

The Olympic Cauldron is lit during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Cauldron was designed by internationally renowned creative thinker Thomas Heatherwick. His other work includes the UK Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, the Rolling Bridge in Paddington and London's new red double-decker bus.

Fireworks light up the Opening Ceremony

Fireworks illuminate the sky during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium. They ended the stunning visual extravaganza, directed by Danny Boyle.

Ireland team flies the flag

Ireland enter the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony. Teams calling themselves 'Ireland' first competed at the Games in 1908, the first time they were held in London. It was not until 1922 that Ireland was officially recognised as a competing nation.

The Olympic Stadium is illuminated during the Opening Cermony

The Olympic Stadium is illuminated in stunning blue during the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games.