London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony

It's difficult to spring a surprise in a city that's famed for its diversity and unfazed by anything weird and wonderful, but that's exactly what Danny Boyle has done with his plans for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. At 9pm on July 27, the gaze of the whole world will fall upon London's Olympic Stadium, where a cast of thousands will attempt to portray a snapshot of rural England as convincingly as anyone marooned in the middle of a sports stadium possibly can. Expect picnics, cricket and a smattering of bewildered livestock.

Those lucky enough to have a ticket for the event should arrive at the Olympic Park, which opens at 5pm, as early as possible in order to navigate the airport-style security checks and find their seat in time for the pre-show which begins at 8.12pm (20:12!). The nearest Tube stations are Stratford (Central and Jubilee lines, DLR and Overground) and Stratford International (DLR), but do bear in mind that these stations will be incredibly busy throughout the games, so expect to queue.