China lifts the curtain on £20billion Olympics extravaganza

By Liz Hazelton and Nicola Boden
08th August 2008

It has been the most eagerly anticipated Olympics in history and today, at exactly 8.08pm on the 8th day of the 8th month, the Beijing Games finally began.

Such was the extravagance of what followed, the London 2012 Olympics Committee must be wondering how on earth they will top it in a modest stadium in Stratford.

First came a heart-stopping explosion of fireworks which turned the night sky crimson and coated the landmark Bird's Nest in a blaze of red.

Then came a thunderous tattoo, produced by exactly 2,008 perfectly synchronised drummers massed on the stadium floor.

the rest-Check out these pictures!