Photo: WENN.com
The Paralympics opening ceremony takes place tonight featuring a number of musical and theatrical performances to mark the start of London 2012 games. (Aug 29)
A score of classical and dance music will play while a special tribute is paid to Professor Stephen Hawking, the world-famous scientist who suffers from motor neurone disease.
The Paralympic flame will later arrive in the stadium from Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where the Paralympics were first concieved, while an expected global audience of one billion watches on TV.
The extravaganza, named 'Enlightenment', is based on the theme of Britain's history of science and discovery and was devised by artistic directors Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings.
One of the highlights includes a circus act involving 50 disabled performers such as non-competing Paralympians and rehabilitating soldiers.
Coldplay and Rihanna are then scheduled to perform sets of their own as well as their collaboration 'Princess China' at the Paralympics closing ceremony on 9 September.
Hundreds of musicians throughout the UK on bandstands are set to perform cover versions of Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' at 2pm simultaneously.
Frontman Chris Martin told The Sun: “It’s a great honour for us to be a part of this. It should be a great moment when the bandstands of Great Britain strike up in unison.
“It will be one of the biggest nights of our lives and we’re very excited to try to create a performance for the last night of the games that will close London 2012 in style.”
Coverage of the ceremony starts on Channel 4 at 8pm.
The Vaccines previously suggested the collaboration between Coldplay and Rihanna lacked "artistic merit".
Below: click to see photos from the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony last month
