Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics
Sharing stories of those involved in celebrating the London 2012 Paralympic Games
National Paralympic Heritage Trust
Getty Images
What's in our Paralympic collection? London 2012 ceremony costumesNational Paralympic Heritage Trust
Head of Costume
Tahra Zafar talks about the costume bible, which was vital for referencing the designs and materials used for the 100s of costumes worn at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The costume bible is currently on display at the National Paralympic Heritage Centre, Stoke Mandeville.
Headdress worn by a performer at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony (2012)National Paralympic Heritage Trust
Recollection
Tahra Zafar, Head of Costume, remembers a wonderful moment during filming for the Ceremony when the Queen asked Daniel Craig if she could have a photo with him for her grandchildren. "I don't know who was more happy!"
'Gravity' dancer
Vanessa McManus recollects the evening of the Opening Ceremony:
"We had been warned that there would be blinding light flashes from all the cameras and it was true - it was like looking up at a huge night sky with millions of twinkling stars, the atmosphere was incredible!”
British Paralympian Robert Barrett performing at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony (2012)National Paralympic Heritage Trust
Paralympian and performer
Robert Barrett competed in athletics at the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Paralympics. Here he shares his experience of training to be an aerial circus performer in the ‘Brave New World’ sequence at the Opening Ceremony. Read Robert's full story here.
Set designs for the Ceremonies
Designers created concept models in miniature form for all the props used on the stage before they were created in giant form. These models are part of the London 2012 British Paralympic collection on display at the National Paralympic Heritage Centre.
London 2012 Children’s Promise
As part of the London 2012 Children’s Promise, Daniel from Aylesbury attended the Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony at Stoke Mandeville Stadium and with the other children received a special mention during the Paralympics Opening ceremony. Read more about Daniel’s story here.
Athlete's Parade uniform
This jacket was worn by the ParalympicsGB team in the athlete’s parade. The Great Britain team consisted of 177 men and 109 women who won a total of 120 medals, 34 gold, 43 silver and 43 bronze, finishing third in the medal table. Donated by the British Paralympic Association.
Paralympian, Margaret Maughan with the Paralympic torch (2012)National Paralympic Heritage Trust
Lighting of the cauldron
Margaret Maughan, the first Paralympic gold medal winner at the Rome 1960 Games, lit the cauldron at the opening ceremony. This signifies the start of the Games and the flame is extinguished at the closing ceremony. Read Margaret's story here.
Thank you to Caz Walton OBE, Daniel, Robert Barrett, Tahra Zafar and Vanessa McManus for sharing their stories and to the British Paralympic Association and Getty Images for their contribution.
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