Ufunguzi Wa Olympics LIVE

LIVE: Olympics Opening Ceremony... follow the stunning drama unfold from the London 2012

And with that I must bid you farewell, as the flame still burns in the middle of the arena. This ceremony is undoubtedly up there with the best we've seen, and Boyle's creativity and innovation wowed the fans in Stratford and across the world.
It was bold, VERY British, ingenious, and altogether a bit mad. But what a way to welcome the world to London.
Stay with Sportsmail throughout the Games for our coverage of a momentous Olympics which is sure to produce plenty a golden moment for Team GB.

Goodnight all.

00:46: Well McCartney has finished now. A great way to close an historic and brilliant moment for Great Britain. I think Boyle can be pretty chuffed with the show he put on, and to keep that 40ft cauldron a secret is as big an achievement as any he has attained tonight.

00:42: Right on cue, Sir Paul screeches pre-chorus and the crescendo begins. A lot of hand-waving from the volunteers and fans alike as McCartney performs underneath the Olympic bell. Perhaps, for Boyle at least, a rather predictable way to close this spectacular show, but it's a way to go out with a bang.

00:39: Sir Paul McCartney is on stage now. Guess what song he's singing? What else could it be but Hey Jude. This should be quite the sight when all 80,00 bystanders belt out the chorus.

A proper party: After the cauldron was lit, it really went off in east London

Beacon: Boyle's cauldron was a remarkable piece of innovation

Brilliance: The spires of the cauldron met to become one flame

00:37: Let the fireworks fly. The skies in Stratford are ablaze as a remarkable display begins. All the colours of the rainbow - and more - are captivating above east London as clips of great Olympic moments are shown. Running out of superlatives here.

00:35: The young athletes light the giant cauldron. It is made up of copper petals and must be about 40ft in width. The spires of the copper structure rise with the heat and slowly meet in the middle, much like a blossoming flower.

They now all stand erect as a unified flame burns bright in the middle of the arena. Magnificent innovation by Boyle.

00:32: All the young athletes meet their elders, those who nominated them. The likes of Dame Kelly Holmes, Daley Thompson and of course Redgrave await, as the seven young athletes acquire a torch each.

All the volunteers are out there, and the youngsters run through the crowd. It looks like they will be lighting the cauldron, as we get the first glimpse of it.

What a show: The fireworks lit up the sky

00:37: Let the fireworks fly. The skies in Stratford are alight as a remarkable display begins. All the colours of the rainbow - and more - are captivating above east London as clips of great Olympic moments are shown. Running out of superlatives here.

00:35: The young athletes light the giant cauldron. It is made up of copper petals and must be about 40ft in width. The spires of the copper structure rise with the heat and slowly meet in the middle, much like a blossoming flower.

They now all stand erect as a unified flame burns bright in the middle of the arena. Magnificent innovation by Boyle.

00:32: All the young athletes meet their elders, those who nominated them. The likes of Dame Kelly Holmes, Daley Thompson and of course Redgrave await, as the seven young athletes acquire a torch each.

All the volunteers are out there, and the youngsters run through the crowd. It looks like they will be lighting the cauldron, as we get the first glimpse of it.

00:31: Redgrave passes the torch on to a young group of athletes - the next generation - as yet more, uplifting Olympic standard uplifting music is performed.

The youngsters are taking it in turn to parade the torch around the track.

00:30: Here it is! The flame enters the arena. Redgrave still has it, but is he going to light the cauldron?

00:28: The oaths from the coaches, judges and athletes is out of the way. Now for the grand finale.

00:25: Redgrave sets off running towards the stadium. Will he be lighting the cauldron? In fact, where even is the cauldron? Myself and the 80,000 people in the stadium wait on bated breath. This should be good.

00:24: Here comes Beckham. He's driving the boat which is glowing a neon blue on the black river. Steve Redgrave waits on the bank to take the torch.

00:18: The Queen declares the Games open, the fireworks go off, and the Olympic flag - a white flag with rings in the Games colours - is carried out. A slow end to proceedings? Let's just wait and see how the cauldron is lit.

Muhammed Ali is there too, wearing sunglasses, and needing support from the lady next to him. The Greatest is dressed entirely in white, as the Olympic anthem is played, and servicemen and women carry the flag.

00:17: Rogge urges athletes to remember they are all role models, and if they conduct themsleves correctly they can 'inspire a generation'.

@finnjones tweets: 'yes London. yes Great Britain. Proud and Overwhelmed - what a great opening ceremony.'

Here he comes! Beckham drives a speed boat carrying the torch

The Olympic flag was carried before the Olympic anthem rang out in Stratford

00:13: Rogge offers his thanks to the British organising committee, the 'thousands of dedicated volunteers', law enforcement and the people of London for welcoming the world to London. Talks of 'major boost for gender equality' as for the first time in Games history, all countries will have at least one woman on their team.

00:10: 'One day we will tell our children and grandchildren that when our time came, we did it right,' Coe says as he introduces Dr Rogge.

00:07: Seb Coe is making his address now, as Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, waits with him on stage. 'Welcome to London,' says Coe, ' I have never been prouder to be British'.

'To my fellow countrymen, I say thank you. Thank you for making all this possible.'

What a sight: Tower Bridge lit up the London skyline as fireworks were launched from the top

00:07: Seb Coe is making his address now, as Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, waits with him on stage. 'Welcome to London,' says Coe, ' I have never been prouder to be British'.

'To my fellow countrymen, I say thank you. thank you for making all this possible.'

00:01: No sooner than Team GB had reached the stage, The Arctic Monkeys were up there performing I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor, and followed it with a cover of The Beatles' hit Come Together. We really do know how to throw a party. Meanwhile, performers on bikes cycle round the centre stage with glowing wings on their backs.

They look a bit like those menacing flying monkeys from The Wizard of Oz. A bit creepy, really.

23:58: They are milking this, and who can blame them. What an experience for all these athletes. @robintwist just tweeted: 'Proud to be British, best opening ceremony ever!!'. I think there are a lot of people out there who will agree with that.

The likes of Rebecca Adlington, who made the decision to stay away for training purposes, must be - at least a bit - kicking themselves for missing this. It is wonderful.

So, what's next?

23:54: Team GB are out, and ahead of schedule. Heroes by David Bowie blasts around the stadium as Hoy lifts the massive flag with one hand. There is white confetti floating down as the cyclist has tears in his eyes.

The confetti is actually seven billion bits of paper - for every person on the planet. Neat touch again from Boyle.

British invasion: Team GB made their way round the stage

Emotional: Hoy looked delighted to be lifting the flag for GB

Happy? Sir Chris Hoy lifted the flag with tears in his eyes

23:58: They are milking this, and who can blame them. What an experience for all these athletes. @robintwist just tweeted: 'Proud to be British, best opening ceremony ever!!'. I think there are a lot of people out there who will agree with that.

The likes of Rebecca Adlington, who made the decision to stay away for training purposes, must be - at least a bit - kicking themselves for missing this. It is wonderful.

So, what's next?

23:54: Team GB are out, and ahead of schedule. Heroes by David Bowie blasts around the stadium as Hoy lifts the massive flag with one hand. There is white confetti floating down as the cyclist has tears in his eyes.

The confetti is actually seven billion bits of paper - for every person on the planet. Neat touch again from Boyle.

The crowd are bouncing to Bowie, and Team GB look really humbled by the experience. Great atmosphere inside. The crowd have been patient with the first 203 nations, but this is well worth it.

23:52: Only five countries to go now to Britain. Vietnam are on their way out, followed by the Virgin Islands.

23:49: The Americans are out. They are wearing sharp-looking Ralph Lauren suits - complete with berets of course. Usain Bolt is STILL making his way round the track, greeting fans as he goes. The Americans are taking their time too. The team is so big, complete with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Michael Phelps. What a lineup.

23:45: Just 15 minutes away from Team GB's arrival on stage. Many of the athletes are away at the Portugal training camp. Michael Johnson and John McEnroe were critical of this before the show began. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity I suppose, and the likes of Dai Greene and Robbie Grabarz won't get to experience it. They must be gutted.

23:43: With Togo coming out now in their colourful traditional dress, U2's Beautiful Day begins to play. Uplifting soundtrack continues from Boyle and his team. U.S team and their team of beret-wearing athletes are just around the corner.

The USA team make their way out

23:37: Spain follow South Africa out. With Rafael Nadal out of the Games with a knee injury, Pau Gasol takes up flag-bearing duty. The giant basketball star looks like he's relishing it, as his team follow donning their red blazers.

23:35: Serbia are then led out by another tennis star: Novak Djokovic. He proudly waltzes out in front of the crowd.

23:31: BBC's Hazel Irvine appears to have dropped a clanger. She labelled football star, Hulk, Mexican. Unfortunately for Hazel, he's Brazilian and her blunder is trending on Twitter. Oh well... moving on, Saudi Arabia are coming out.

23:29: Russia are led out by Maria Sharapova. The tennis star sports an interesting cowgirl-type hat as she proudly waves the flag.

23:27: Hoy is still signing autographs outside. Team GB are sporting white tracksuits with a gold trim as far as I can tell. Reminiscent of the torch bearers' get-up, I suppose. Qatar are making their way out now - a significant moment as Bahiya al-Hamad, a female shooter, carries the flag.

Ready Tom? Team GB diver Tom Daley looks upbeat before the team go out

Proud: Maria Sharapova bore the Russian flag

23:24: Palestine are on their way out, and the U.S team are spotted wating in the wings. Tyson Gay is taking photos of the crowd, and all the Americans look dapper sporting their berets.

23:22: We're up to Nigeria now. There's still one big mystery murmuring about the stadium: Who will light the cauldron? Beckham has made it clear that he feels it shouldn't be him - after all he was never an Olympian (much to many people's disdain). Who do you think it should be?

23:20: Keep the emails coming peple. Finally I've got one that's NOT about the language debate! John White wrote in: 'I'm sitting here in Danmark and absolutely loving Dannys show. Brilliant!'

But then Nicola Harris emailed: 'It's tradition for all modern Olympic games to be in French first! The French are responsible for the games! All Olympics are in French first! Shows our ignorance that we have never noticed!'

Here he comes: A closer look at Beckham driving the torch to Stratford

23:24: Palestine are on their way out, and the U.S team are spotted wating in the wings. Tyson Gay is taking photos of the crowd, and all the Americans look dapper sporting their berets.

23:22: We're up to Nigeria now. There's still one big mystery murmuring about the stadium: Who will light the cauldron? Beckham has made it clear that he feels it shouldn't be him - after all he was never an Olympian (much to many people's disdain). Who do you think it should be?

23:20: Keep the emails coming peple. Finally I've got one that's NOT about the language debate! John White wrote in: 'I'm sitting here in Danmark and absolutely loving Dannys show. Brilliant!'

But then Nicola Harris emailed: 'It's tradition for all modern Olympic games to be in French first! The French are responsible for the games! All Olympics are in French first! Shows our ignorance that we have never noticed!'

23:18: The cauldron is to be lit after the parade is finished. I predict an icing on the cake of sorts, judging from what Boyle has shown us already tonight. Wonder where Beckham's up to with that torch...

23:15: Sir Chris Hoy is pictured outside the arena signing a few autographs as he prepares to bear GB's flag. Meanwhile, Mauritania are making there way to the stage. It looks like Greece are in for a long wait though as first out. Great Britain aren't coming out until around midnight.

23:12: Alan Blundell believes he may have some answers on the French announcers dispute. He emailed to say: 'Dude, tell the haters to back off. French and English are the two official languages of the olympic games, the announcements are always in French then english - remember the modern olympic games were founded by a french man - Baron Pierre de Coubertin'

Thanks for that Alan. Shines a different perspective on things at least.

Proud: Lauren Jackson bore the flag for the Australian teams

23:08: They got it right! As the South Korea team come out, they are carrying the correct flag! Good of LOCOG and Co to avoid another catastrophic blunder so early in the proceedings.

23:06: Here he is, the fastest man on the planet. Usain Bolt swaggers out with his flag. The crowd are loving it as he bounds across the walkway. 100 metre rival Yohan Blake was in the pack behind Bolt - where I'm sure he hopes to keep him.

23:04: Biggest cheer of the night so far: Ireland. They are followed quickly by Israel.

23:01: This is sure to add fuel to the fire, but don't shoot the messenger. Peter Dickson, the guy who does the voice over on XFactor, has been on Twitter.

@peterdickson said: 'For those asking - I did offer my services for the opening ceremony but wasn't asked. I think the venue voices are doing a great job.'

Maybe he doesn't speak French.

Here he is: Usain Bolt carried the flag for Jamaica

Bolt leads his compatriots out into Olympic Park

23:06: Here he is, the fastest man on the planet. Usain Bolt swaggers out with his flag. The crowd are loving it as he bounds across the walkway. 100 metre rival Yohan Blake was in the pack behind Bolt - where I'm sure he hopes to keep him.

23:04: Biggest cheer of the night so far: Ireland. They are followed quickly by Israel.

23:01: This is sure to add fuel to the fire, but don't shoot the messenger. Peter Dickson, the guy who does the voice over on XFactor, has been on Twitter.

@peterdickson said: 'For those asking - I did offer my services for the opening ceremony but wasn't asked. I think the venue voices are doing a great job.'

Maybe he doesn't speak French.

Big cheer: The Ireland team got the biggest cheer of the night so far

22:58: Interesting to see the difference in numbers on each team. The Ghana side only boast nine athletes, whereas China's procession seemed to be never-ending.

22:55: The French are out. At least they will know exactly what is going on, thanks to all those announcements in the Language of Love.

22:52: We've just had Ethiopia. It shouldn't be too long now until Usain Bolt bears the flag for Jamaica. I wonder what he'll have in store for us. Such a natural showman, I wouldn't be surprised if he tried something audacious.

Meanwhile, Finland come out to the Bee Gees song, Staying Alive. Never thought I would be typing those words.

22:48: The Czech Republic take the gold for weirdest footwear. The entire team come out clad in royal blue wellies. I know it rained a little before, but that seems excessive!

I suppose they are on their way to the Glastonbury Tour section. When in Rome...

Nice outfit: The Fijians came out semi-clad in traditional dress

22:48: The Czech Republic take the gold for weirdest footwear. The entire team come out clad in royal blue wellies. I know it rained a little before, but that seems excessive!

I suppose they are on their way to the Glastonbury Tour section. When in Rome...

22:46: Each flag bearer is trailed by the rest of his or her team. Quite amusing that the other team members are given tiny, plastic-looking flags.

22:41: As Chile come out, the Pet Shop Boys blare out on the PA system. Really good, eclectic playlist continues from Boyle. Something for everyone as the Chinese team follow.

22:39: You lot really aren't letting this one go are you? Rob from Bedford emailed to say: 'Have to agree with Ray - I'm pretty dismayed that announcements are in French before English it's an insult to our Queen and country and I'll bet money a lot of others think the same.'

I think you're right, Rob. A LOT of people have been in touch about their disapproval of the French announcement coming before English.

22:35: British golfer Ian Poulter has taken to Twitter to voice how impressed he is with Boyle's ceremony. He tweeted: 'Just watching the opening Ceremony of the Olympics #pureclass we can throw a party for sure. #proudtobebritish well done'

Expecting showers? The Czech Republic team all donned wellies

Good night out? Queen Elizabeth II (right) appears to be enjoying Danny Boyle's ceremony

22:35: British golfer Ian Poulter has taken to Twitter to voice how impressed he is with Boyle's ceremony. He tweeted: 'Just watching the opening Ceremony of the Olympics #pureclass we can throw a party for sure. #proudtobebritish well done'

22:30: The athletes continue to pour out, but in all honesty the Queen parachuting from the plane is the stand-out moment so far. A really nice touch for Elizabeth II to show her sense of humour. We're up to Belize... as you may have guessed, it is alphabetical.

22:25: Argentina are out, and GB's big medal rivals Australia aren't far behind them. It's all gone a bit downcast now. Boyle seems to have opted to go for a more traditional approach for this section of the ceremony.

22:23: The athletes begin the procession as they pass yet more drummers. Angola, Andorra, Afghanistan, American Samoa are amongst some to have graced the stage already.

22:21: The 204 nations and their athletes are on their way to the stage now. First out... Greece.

Here they come: The athletes were unveiled to the fans

Kila nchi naona hapa inapita na watu mia,wengine mia tatu..Tanzania itapitaje na watu wake 7??

22:25: Argentina are out, and GB's big medal rivals Australia aren't far behind them. It's all gone a bit downcast now. Boyle seems to have opted to go for a more traditional approach for this section of the ceremony.

22:23: The athletes begin the procession as they pass yet more drummers. Angola, Andorra, Afghanistan, American Samoa are amongst some to have graced the stage already.

22:21: The 204 nations and their athletes are on their way to the stage now. First out... Greece.

22:16: A mellow rendition of Abide With Me is being performed by Emeli Sande on top of a heartbeat-like bass drum. Beautiful soundtrack tonight, and the dancers have more work to do as they perform on the shining, yet sparse, stage.

The song has been sung at every FA Cup final since 1927 - how fitting it should be used to welcome the Games too.

22:13: Mystery solved! David Beckham is driving a speedboat down the Thames carrying the Olympic torch. Surely we should have guessed that Beckham, who was so instrumental in our acquiring the Games, would also be instrumental in the final leg of the torch's journey.

22:12: Emails flooding in now about the announcements being made in French. James Muriel describes it as an 'insult'.

22:08: Sir Tim Berners-Lee is unveiled as the house in centre stage rises. The creator of the internet is sitting at a computer and stands as the music finishes to take the hefty applause. The soundtrack to ALL of our lives is over on that note.

Abide With Me: Emeli Sande's rendition quieted the audience

Here he is: David Beckham dribves a speedboat carrying the Olympic torch

22:08: Sir Tim Berners-Lee is unveiled as the house in centre stage rises. The creator of the internet is sitting at a computer and stands as the music finishes to take the hefty applause. The soundtrack to ALL of our lives is over on that note.

22:05: The music has stopped now, and here's one for the West Ham fans. Two of the dancers have veered off to the middle of the stage and kiss as the others belt out I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles. The tender moment is interrupted by Dizzee Rascal's live performance of Bonkers. Shame!

22:02: We have had some Sex Pistols followed by some New Order. Boyle has worked marvellously with Underworld to produce a fantastic playlist. We've left the Seventies and are entering the Eighties with some Eurythmics. Evoking memories for all of us at some point in this sequence, I'm sure.

21:58: @Jaybusbee is demanding The Sex Pistols. He tweeted: 'If we get "Anarchy in the UK" in this montage, I will declare this the BEST OPENING CEREMONY EVER.'

I'll stick my neck out here, Jay. I think we're well on the way already.

A sight we all must see! The Queen parachuting from a helicopter

A journey: Boyle took the audience on a tour through Britain's musical history

Winner: Rowan Atkinson wins in the parody race from Chariots of Fire

21:45: A disgruntled chap called Ray has just emailed my querying the narrative at the stadium. He says: 'Why the hell are the official announcements made in French before our own glorious language ?   I thought we were the hosts !'

Very good question Ray. I have no idea. However we won the bid to host one of the greatest sporting events on the planet. I think we can let the losing bidders have a little slice of our Games!

21:44: As the Child Catcher and Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter novels come on to the stage, Mary Poppins quickly follows them to save the day. This is a journey through British literature, and Boyle has portrayed it so well as the children dance to Poppins' arrival. I thought they were supposed to be asleep!

Thank Poppins for that: Mary Poppins saved the children from Voldemort and the Child Catcher

21:39: JK Rowling is there now. She is reading a passage for the children to go to sleep, as the scene she reads appear to come to life around the dozing kids.

21:37: The NHS and workers at Great Ormond Street Hospital have taken to the stage now. They are winged by dancing doctors and nurses and are tucking up child volunteers as the letters 'NHS' shine in bold letters in the middle of the scene. It's a visual and aural treat here, as the upbeat jazzy number is toned down to let the children sleep.

21:35: The national anthem is sang to Her Royal Highness, as she lands safe and sound. Just to be clear, I am pretty sure it wasn't her who jumped from the plane. It was hilarious all the same.

Wonderful: The view from above is awe inspiring

On stage: JK Rowling read a passage to get the children to sleep

21:27: STRANGE BUT TRUE. Another cutaway scene now. We're at Buckingham palace and Daniel Craig - as James Bond - is being introduced to the Queen. And it is actually her! He follows her (winged by a couple of Corgis) through the corridors of the palace and into a helicopter.

The chopper flies over London as the public below wave up at Craig. The statue of Winston Churchill comes to life and waves his cane up. Very odd.
He flies over the Thames and is now live, above the stadium as it glows blue.

A cutaway again and the Queen (or a stunt double) leaps out of the plane! Followed by Craig. This is crazy, but brilliant. The bond theme tune plays as the two parachutists descend. The REAL Queen and Prince Phillip appears!

21:24: There's a blue glow as the rings shine orange on a dark, smoky blue back-drop. How serene. I'll bet it doesn't stay like this for too much longer.

Brilliant: The Queen appeared to jump from a helicopter with Daniel Craig

Safe and Sound: Her Royal Highness managed to get down in time for a national anthem

Glowing: The rings forged above the stadium

21:21: The drums are coming to a crescendo now as glowing rings are lowered into the arena. This is living up to all expectations. The scale of it is simply magnificent. The water wheel spins as the Olympic rings are forged above and sparks literally rain over the volunteers. Impressive.

21:19: It is a sight to behold out there at the moment. The droves of grey industrial revolution volunteers are followed out by some more, but they are in the bright and garish colours of the Beatles Sgt Pepper album. The Chelsea Pensioners follow them in their red coats, as steel workers toil in the centre.

21:14: The previously quaint and green landscape looks entirely different now. This section of the show is called Pandemonium. There is an underlying sense of dread as the suffragettes, among them Emmeline Pankhurst's relatives

21:12: @NancyGartside is loving the drumming. She says the drums are 'making the industrial thrilling'. I agree with that one. The volunteers, in period dress, are rolling parts of the turf away as men in suits oversee smoking stacks of chimneys raise from the ground.

21:10: The drums beckon swathes of the volunteers. 2,500 of them come on to the turf to represent the toils of the industrial revolution.

21:09: I told you! Here come the drums. What they are beckoning is anyone's guess!

Magnificent: Chimneys were erected in just seconds

21:39: JK Rowling is there now. She is reading a passage for the children to go to sleep, as the scene she reads appear to come to life around the dozing kids.

21:37: The NHS and workers at Great Ormond Street Hospital have taken to the stage now. They are winged by dancing doctors and nurses and are tucking up child volunteers as the letters 'NHS' shine in bold letters in the middle of the scene. It's a visual and aural treat here, as the upbeat jazzy number is toned down to let the children sleep.

21:35: The national anthem is sang to Her Royal Highness, as she lands safe and sound. Just to be clear, I am pretty sure it wasn't her who jumped from the plane. It was hilarious all the same.

21:27: STRANGE BUT TRUE. Another cutaway scene now. We're at Buckingham palace and Daniel Craig - as James Bond - is being introduced to the Queen. And it is actually her! He follows her (winged by a couple of Corgis) through the corridors of the palace and into a helicopter.

The chopper flies over London as the public below wave up at Craig. The statue of Winston Churchill comes to life and waves his cane up. Very odd.
He flies over the Thames and is now live, above the stadium as it glows blue.
A cutaway again and the Queen (or a stunt double) leaps out of the plane! Followed by Craig. This is crazy, but brilliant. The bond theme tune plays as the two parachutists descend. The REAL Queen and Prince Phillip appears!

12 stadium

21:24: There's a blue glow as the rings shine orange on a dark, smoky blue back-drop. How serene. I'll bet it doesn't stay like this for too much longer.

21:21: The drums are coming to a crescendo now as glowing rings are lowered into the arena. This is living up to all expectations. The scale of it is simply magnificent. The water wheel spins as the Olympic rings are forged above and sparks literally rain over the volunteers. Impressive.

21:19: It is a sight to behold out there at the moment. The droves of grey industrial revolution volunteers are followed out by some more, but they are in the bright and garish colours of the Beatles Sgt Pepper album. The Chelsea Pensioners follow them in their red coats, as steel workers toil in the centre.

21:14: The previously quaint and green landscape looks entirely different now. This section of the show is called Pandemonium. There is an underlying sense of dread as the suffragettes, among them Emmeline Pankhurst's relatives

21:12: @NancyGartside is loving the drumming. She says the drums are 'making the industrial thrilling'. I agree with that one. The volunteers, in period dress, are rolling parts of the turf away as men in suits oversee smoking stacks of chimneys raise from the ground.

21:10: The drums beckon swathes of the volunteers. 2,500 of them come on to the turf to represent the toils of the industrial revolution.

21:09: I told you! Here come the drums. What they are beckoning is anyone's guess!

Magnificent: Chimneys were erected in just seconds

21:03: WE'RE OFF! Bradley Wiggins rings the Olympic dong. Then a medley of Jerusalem, Flower of Scotland, Danny Boy and Cwm Rhondda sang by a young choir rings out across a silent Olympic Park. We've got cricketers, may dancers and the like adding to the spectacle.

Video clips of great sporting events are shown to the audience, as the camera cuts away to choirs across British Isles finish the piece. Great stuff.

21:00: It's here. A video has been shown to the crowd. The camera appears to be flying across various British sights. Then a gaggle of geese potter passed an the music ceases for a moment. There's cricket, helicopters, the Thames and Big Ben. The Sex Pistols' God Saved the Queen is cut off by Eastenders and then The Clash as the camera flies through the London Underground.

Muse plays as a set of balloons are popped with every second cheered for the countdown.

20:55: A number of musicians gather in the centre stage to perform Edward Elgar's Nimrod. What a way to get the crowd going. Truly life-affirming stuff from the orchestra here.

20:55: Michael Johnson says that 'despite what Mit Romney says' London is ready to host the Games. Good to hear from an expert perspective rather than a nosey passer by!

20:53: Danny Boyle wanted the stadium to be dark so his show can wow us to its full potential. It's getting there, and we're only seven minutes from KO.

Star spotting: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge look on

Marvellous: Musicians played Edward Elgar's Nimrod

20:51: Take cover folks. Despite the weather this week making us feel like we were basking on the Costa del Sol, the heavens have opened and the people lucky enough to be inside the stadium are huddled like penguins under a load of umbrellas.

20:48: Turner has finished now. So too has the strange, choreographed football match. This is only the warm up too... what can we expect in 12 minutes time?

20:44: Frank Turner is singing live as we speak at the Glastonbury area of the stage. There's also people dressed as what appear to be medieval peasants playing a game of football. I think it would be safe to say Mr Turner won't have played a gig like this before. 16 minutes until the ceremony officially starts.

Frank Turner played on the Glastonbury area of the countryside-like scene

Old-fashioned striker: While Turner played, this strange football match broke out

20:40: Team GB footballer for the women's side Kim Little just gave us an insight into how the athletes are spending the ceremony.

She tweeted: 'Sitting having dinner and watching opening ceremony in our outfits #wow very honoured and proud to be representing GB at #london2012'

20:34: Charlie Higson, the creator of The Fast Show, just tweeted: 'There are geese and cows and horses at the opening ceremony but not the British track and field team! A disgrace #Olympics'

Maybe you're right Charlie, but surely it would disrupt preparations a little? Who knows. Let me know your views on @alexhorlock

Geese bustle on to the turf now next to a giant water wheel

20:31: It's a sight to behod down there now. All the people who arrived hours early are starting to get their money's worth as they see Boyle's vision being built before their eyes. Wonderful stuff!

And it's often a bizarre and hilarious marvel when a dog manages to get on to a football pitch, but have you ever seen livestock in there? Thought not.

20:27: Oh dear! As more of the fake clouds float into view, their real-life counterparts start to drizzle. Meanwhile there's hay, animals and a scarecrow being propped up. Madness.

20:22: We're less than 40 minutes away now people. Getting a bit tetchy to be honest. I'm pretty sure it will be amazing three hours. How Boyle will fill that time is beyond me!

What is going on? As the rain begins to trickle down, cows and goats graze in Boyle's mock countryside

The view from below: As the Red Arrows flew overhead, the stadium resembled some sort of carnival.

The Tory boys: Boris Johnson and David Cameron (left) chat before the show

20:17: A little more star-spotting now. The Tory boys are in the stands. Prime minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson are seen chatting in the stands. Johnson yesterday gave an excitable speech on stage at Hyde Park's celebratory music festival for the torch's arrival. He said London were hoping to host the greatest Games ever. Couldn't agree more, Boris.

20:11: The Red Arrows are currently flying overhead from east to west. Fantastic sight as the GB colours trail behind the perfectly choreographed planes. The sound of the engines are dwarfed by the cheers of the baying crowd below. Fantastic scenes. Many more to come, no doubt.

20:10: The stars are being spotted all over the grounds of the stadium. Bradley Wiggins was earlier ferried across in a golf buggy.

GB colours: The Red Arrows flew over the crowd with red, white and blue trailing behind them

Glorious! The Red Arrows fly over the stadium

Hello Bradley! Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins arrives at the stadium.

20:06: There really is a party atmosphere building around the stadium now. We've got fans from all over the globe representing their nations admirably with an array of flags and colours. There are even some who have turned up without tickets... not sure how successful they will be, and hopefully they've got £2,012 spare just in case.

19:59: It's all getting a little bit weird in Stratford. There are cows, goats and sheep being herded around on the grounds of the Olympic Park. What part will they play? God knows.

19:57: So what's being said on Twitter? Well @NaomiWestland said: 'So it looks like Londoners have shaken off their cynicism. Real buzz all over, from Hackney to Richmond, Regents Park to Tooting #london2012'

Looks like the naysayers have wound their numerous necks in... for now at least.

Susanna Butter seems pretty excited. She just emailed alex.horlock@dailymail.co.uk simply saying: 'Who on earth will be lighting the flame?!'

Good view? Fans wait outside the the ground. Hopefully they all have tickets...

I wonder who he supports? The party atmosphere is building ahead of the celebration