
Paralympics opening ceremony —
Paralympian Margaret Maughan lights the Paralympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Wednesday, August 29.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
The Paralympic flag is carried by members of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
The Paralympic flag is raised.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Athletes from Mexico parade in front of a cheering crowd.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
A large-scale reproduction of Marc Quinn's celebrated sculpture "Alison Lapper Pregnant" is presented.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
The Olympic Stadium and Orbit shine brightly during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Wednesday, August 29.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Artists brandished silver umbrellas during their performance.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Some performers wore lighted visors.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
A giant apple featured prominently.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
A small plane trails sparks over the Olympic Stadium.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, watch the ceremony.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Artists perform with umbrellas.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Wheelchair rugby player Greg Smith of Australia carries the flag during the ceremony.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Artists perform with colorful umbrellas during the opening ceremony.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Attendees applaud Queen Elizabeth II and her son Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
The opening ceremony featured plenty of fantastic imagery.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
A choir performs "Principia" by British composer Errollyn Wallen.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Service members from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force display the Great Britain flag.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
The participants sport unique headgear.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Miranda performs during the ceremony.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
Artists also wielded silvery umbrellas for the ceremony.

Paralympics opening ceremony —
The opening ceremony featured plenty of bright lights and beautiful colors.