Olympics Ceremony 2012 Start Time: When and Where to Watch London's Kickoff
The opening ceremony in the Summer Olympics always brings its fair share of twists and turns, mirroring the host country's culture along the way.
Details of the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics have already hit the presses, with plenty of spectacular theatrics sure to await, not to mention the historic lighting of the torch.
Here's a look at what to watch for on Friday as the opening ceremony kicks off in grand fashion.
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When: Friday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. EDT
Where: London Olympic Stadium, London, England
Watch: NBC
Live Streaming: NBCOlympics.com
What to Watch For
Artistic Touch
According to London2012.com, the opening ceremony will be kicked off with the largest harmonically-tuned bell in Europe, courtesy ofย the Whitechapel Foundry.
The field in the stadium will then be transformed into a British countryside, complete with various farm animals.
Her Majesty the Queen will then be greeted by Jacques Rogge,ย president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in the receiving of the Head of the State.
Beyond that, British director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) will combine with Stephen Daldry to oversee the opening ceremony.
Daniel Craig of James Bondย may even make an appearance, according to Sporting News.ย
The Torch and Cauldron
According to London2012.com, approximately 8,000 people will carry the Olympic torch through the United Kingdom this year, ranging from teenagers to the old and the wise.
Who will light the torch this year? Antonio Rebollo (archery), Muhammad Ali (boxing), Catherine Freeman (athletics),ย Nikolaos Kaklamanakis (sailing) andย Li Ning (gymnastics) lit the torch the past few Olympics.
It is always a great mystery who will be the final torchbearer.ย
Performers
A total cast of 15,000 performers will take part in the opening ceremony, according to London2012.com.
There is also talk that historic literary characters from England will receive tribute, including Alice from Alice in Wonderland,ย Mary Poppins, Voldemort from Harry Potter, Captain Hook and Cruella De Vil, per Yahoo! Sports.ย
Paul McCartney may even finish off the opening ceremony, according to the Guardian.
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