11 Best Moments From The Paralympics Opening Ceremony

Kate Middleton, aerialists, loads of fireworks, the Queen — no wonder this year’s Paralympics in London is expected to be the most-watched ever.

1. Aerialists

The theme was “enlightenment.”

Image by Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP

2. A performance by Sir Ian McKellen

Image by Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

3. A man in a flaming skirt

That’s Austrian dancer Ziya Azazi.

Image by Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

4. A midair race

Image by Lefteris Pitarakis / AP

Image by Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP

5. An umbrella boat

The ceremony represented a voyage on a “sea of ideas.”

Image by Hannah Johnston / Getty Images

6. The Queen

She looks unamused.

Image by Jan Kruger / Getty Images

7. Oscar Pistorius carrying the South African flag

Image by Gareth Copley / Getty Images

8. Stephen Hawking as emcee

Image by Dennis Grombkowski / Getty Images

9. Kate Middleton and Prince William

Image by Chris Jackson / Getty Images

They looked lovey-dovey. She wore a coat she’s worn before.

Image by Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

10. A giant sculpture

That’s a giant version of Marc Quinn’s “Alison Lapper Pregnant.” Lapper is a British artist who was born without arms.

Image by Justin Setterfield / Getty Images

11. And lots and lots of fireworks

Image by Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

Image by Julian Finney / Getty Images

Image by Lefteris Pitarakis / AP

Image by Gareth Copley / Getty Images