The Olympic opening ceremony in Paris is expected to be a unique occasion.
For the first time since the Games began, the show will take place on the renowned Seine River in Paris rather than in a stadium.
Everything you require to know about the ceremony is provided here.
What to expect from unique opening ceremony
The eye-catching ceremony will take place across a 6km route along the Seine. It will begin at Austerlitz bridge and end among the gardens, fountains and palaces in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower at Trocadero.
There will be almost 100 boats carrying more than 10,000 athletes, plus a host of dignitaries, which sail past Paris’ iconic landmarks, including Notre Dame cathedral and Pont Neuf.
The boats will transport the athletes in the parade but also be used in the artistic part of the ceremony, which will showcase the history and culture of Paris and France.
The identity of the performers, though, has been kept a tight secret.
Thousands of people are still expected to line the river and the streets with millions more watching on television around the world.
“I’d like to show France in all its diversity,” said Thomas Jolly, the French actor and theatre director named as the ceremony’s artistic director – the role performed by Danny Boyle at London 2012.
“Illustrate the richness and plurality shaped by its history, which has been influenced and inspired by the diverse cultures that have passed through it, while itself serving as a source of inspiration.”
The ceremony will also include the official opening of the Games, carried out by France president Emmanuel Macron, and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
Again, many of the finer details have been kept as a surprise.
When is the opening ceremony taking place?
On Friday, July 26, the ceremony starts at 19:30 local time (18:30 BST).
The last parts will take place as the sun sets over the French capital, and it is anticipated to last just less than four hours.
Fortunately, Friday night’s weather in Paris is looking good.
Which countries will be introduced first?
Greece will be presented as the first country during the ceremony, following tradition.
One of their flagbearers for the Games is NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Olympic Refugee Team will then be unveiled, followed by Greece, and finally by the hosts, France.
The Belarusian and Russian athletes participating individually
