London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony

We're assuming troupes of NHS nurses, a parachuting monarch and mega steampunkery are off the agenda for the London Paralympics opening ceremony, but then competing with Danny Boyle's brilliantly bonkers tribute to all things British was never the aim of ceremony directors Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings. Instead, in a show titled 'Enlightenment', their intention is to transform perceptions of human possibility. The event begins with a fly-past by Aerobility, a British charity that trains disabled people to become pilots. The ensuing celebrations will involve more than 3,000 performers, including students from the 'Get Set' network of schools in London 2012 host boroughs. The raising of the Union Jack will be followed by the parade of athletes, speeches, the Paralympic anthem and raising of the Paralympic flag. The finale sees the arrival of the Paralympic flame and lighting of the cauldron. For more information about the Games, including interviews with Britain's Paralympic medal hopefuls and details of where to watch all the action, see www.timeout.com/london/olympics-2012