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12/06/2012
London 2012 Opening Ceremony Revealed
It has been revealed that the Olympic Stadium will be transformed "into the British countryside" for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games on 27 July.
A cast of 10,000 volunteers will help recreate country scenes, against a backdrop featuring farmyard animals and landmarks like Glastonbury Tor.
The opening scene of the £27m ceremony will be called "Green and Pleasant", artistic director Danny Boyle revealed.
He added the show would create "a picture of ourselves as a nation."
There have already been 157 cast rehearsals and Boyle added: "I've been astounded by the selfless dedication of the volunteers, they are the pure embodiment of the Olympic spirit and represent the best of who we are as a nation."
The set will feature meadows, fields and rivers, with families taking picnics, people playing sports on the village green and farmers tilling the soil.
Real farmyard animals will be grazing in the "countryside", with a menagerie of 30 sheep, 12 horses, three cows, two goats, 10 chickens, 10 ducks, nine geese and three sheepdogs.
One billion people worldwide are expected to watch the opening ceremony.
(H)
A cast of 10,000 volunteers will help recreate country scenes, against a backdrop featuring farmyard animals and landmarks like Glastonbury Tor.
The opening scene of the £27m ceremony will be called "Green and Pleasant", artistic director Danny Boyle revealed.
He added the show would create "a picture of ourselves as a nation."
There have already been 157 cast rehearsals and Boyle added: "I've been astounded by the selfless dedication of the volunteers, they are the pure embodiment of the Olympic spirit and represent the best of who we are as a nation."
The set will feature meadows, fields and rivers, with families taking picnics, people playing sports on the village green and farmers tilling the soil.
Real farmyard animals will be grazing in the "countryside", with a menagerie of 30 sheep, 12 horses, three cows, two goats, 10 chickens, 10 ducks, nine geese and three sheepdogs.
One billion people worldwide are expected to watch the opening ceremony.
(H)
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15 August 2013
Olympic 'Bond' Parachutist Killed
The stuntman who famously parachuted into the London 2012 opening ceremony as James Bond has been killed in an accident. According to numerous sources, 42-year-old Mark Sutton died on Wednesday during a wing-diving event near Martigny in Switzerland. It is thought Mr Sutton died after he crashed into a ridge of rock.
Olympic 'Bond' Parachutist Killed
The stuntman who famously parachuted into the London 2012 opening ceremony as James Bond has been killed in an accident. According to numerous sources, 42-year-old Mark Sutton died on Wednesday during a wing-diving event near Martigny in Switzerland. It is thought Mr Sutton died after he crashed into a ridge of rock.
29 August 2012
Countdown To Paralympic Opening Ceremony Begins
The Paralympic Opening Ceremony will take place at the Olympic Stadium tonight. Co-Artistic Directors Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings say the Ceremony will be a celebration of the inspirational spirit of the Paralympic Games that challenges perceptions of human possibility. At 8.
Countdown To Paralympic Opening Ceremony Begins
The Paralympic Opening Ceremony will take place at the Olympic Stadium tonight. Co-Artistic Directors Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings say the Ceremony will be a celebration of the inspirational spirit of the Paralympic Games that challenges perceptions of human possibility. At 8.
13 August 2012
Closing Ceremony Narrowly Beat Opening For Viewing Figures
An average of 23.2 million tuned in to watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics, narrowly beating Danny Boyle’s opening event. 22.9m viewers watched the closing event on BBC1, giving the broadcaster a huge 80.7% share of the TV audience.
Closing Ceremony Narrowly Beat Opening For Viewing Figures
An average of 23.2 million tuned in to watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics, narrowly beating Danny Boyle’s opening event. 22.9m viewers watched the closing event on BBC1, giving the broadcaster a huge 80.7% share of the TV audience.
27 July 2012
Seven Years Of Preparation Culminates With Olympic Opening Ceremony
Seven years of preparation culminates in just a few hours time with the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. A global TV audience of around a billion people are expected to watch the three-hour Olympic opening ceremony spectacle in the Olympic Stadium.
Seven Years Of Preparation Culminates With Olympic Opening Ceremony
Seven years of preparation culminates in just a few hours time with the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. A global TV audience of around a billion people are expected to watch the three-hour Olympic opening ceremony spectacle in the Olympic Stadium.
27 July 2012
Olympic Flame Takes To The Thames For Its Journey To The Opening Ceremony
After 69 days travelling the length and breadth of the UK, today the Flame embarks on its final journey towards the Olympic Stadium for tonight's Opening Ceremony.
Olympic Flame Takes To The Thames For Its Journey To The Opening Ceremony
After 69 days travelling the length and breadth of the UK, today the Flame embarks on its final journey towards the Olympic Stadium for tonight's Opening Ceremony.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
