![London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony [PHOTOS]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/563face7e4b06c325c739ba9/1447019551176-WJR6Y4WKMSX7C4K5PRYD/image-asset.jpeg)
I took these photographs during the rehearsal on 25th July. If you'd like explanations, read LOCOG's media guide alongside. The English Meadow - life as we imagine it used to be
The Olympic Bell - the largest harmonically tuned bell in the world, represents London, a city of bells
The RSPCA was consulted extensively on the use of animals within the ceremony and you might have noticed that they all left for bed just before it got noisy.
The Blue panels symbolized the ocean, surrounding the Isles of Wonder
The countdown balloons - did you spot the one that floated into the sky to record the journey?
Isambard Kingdom Brunel arrives and performs from Shakespeare's Caliban, symbolizing the start of the Industrial revolution that changed the world
The labour force arrives unearthing the natural world
The Suffragettes arrive to proclaim equal opportunities for women
The 5th Olympic ring is forged by the workers, perhaps symbolizing Britain's past contribution to reuniting the world in times of trouble, by hosting two Games when there were no other alternative hosts.
The formal protocol elements
Representatives from the National Health Service and the Great Ormond Street Hospital
Mary Poppins and characters from Harry Potter symbolize Britain's contribution to children's literature
The 1960s arrive and herald a new modern era, quickly followed by the 70s, 80s, and 90s
Akram Khan concludes the formal elements with a beautiful choreography symbolizing humanity's mortality
