The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will be watched by millions of spectators across the world as the UK officially opens the London 2012 Games.

The ceremony takes place on the evening of Friday 27 July at the Olympic Stadium in London, when the Olympic Flame will be carried into the stadium to light the Olympic Cauldron in the stadium, signalling the official start of the Games.

Athletes from each of the participating countries will parade through the stadium in alphabetical order with an athlete carrying the national flag of the country. The Greek athletes traditionally lead the athletes' parade and the athletes of the host nation will complete the procession.

If you are one of the lucky 80,000 ticket holders heading to the Olympic Park to watch the opening ceremony, check the Olympic Park five day weather forecast.

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