Summary

Live Reporting

Bobbie Jackson, Michael Emons & Holly Bacon

  1. A zip wire is becoming a common theme at Olympic opening ceremonies and we see the masked torch bearer flying across the buildings in Paris.

  2. On to the next act on the banks of the River Seine.

    It wouldn't be Paris without a Can-can and Offenbach's classic has been given a techno twist.

  3. 'Trying to catch a glimpse of the party boats'

    Jess Anderson
    BBC Sport in Paris

    The party has really started now! The flags are waving and the music is blasting as everyone tries to catch a glimpse of the first boats passing by the Louvre, where Harry and I are stationed.

    People on SeineBBC Sport

  4. Who needs a rain poncho when you have a Team GB jacket?

    Keir StarmerReuters

  5. Watch Zidane carrying the Olympic torch through Paris

    This was the video clip that got us all started tonight.

    French football legend Zinedine Zidane, who helped France win the 1998 World Cup final at the Stade de France, was seen running across the city holding the Olympic torch, before passing it on to some youngsters.

  6. Julien Laurens
    French football expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

    We still don't know [who is going to light the cauldron].

    I guess seeing Zinedine Zidane with Jamel Debbouze in that opening video carrying the torch somehow, does that mean it's not going to be him?

  7. Lady Gaga's appearance was one of the worst-kept secrets in the build-up to this ceremony but we are still very much in the dark about who is going to be handed the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron.

    We saw Zinedine Zidane robbed of the torch earlier and it is currently being carried by a masked individual.

    Who could it be?

  8. Here come Bermuda on a boat alongside athletes from Barbados, Belgium, Belize and Benin.

    Bermuda shorts on full display too. Had to be done.

  9. Excited crowds

    Harry Poole
    BBC Sport in Paris

    The excitement is palpable by the River Seine as the opening ceremony kicks in to life with Zizou stealing the show.

    He received quite the reception from those watching here by the Louvre, as does the smoke display of the French flag signalling the party is about to get started.

    We thought Emmanuel Macron had received a bit of a mixed reaction, but that’s nothing compared to the jeers which greet the Argentina team’s departure on their journey down the river…

    Crowds by the River Seine

  10. The saxophone is out now as we get a musical interlude and lots of dancing.

    This is where all of those 200 days of rehearsal come into play.

    Huge roars as Lady Gaga glides back up the stairs and blows a kiss to the audience.

    What a way to get going.

  11. Tony Livesey
    BBC Radio 5 live presenter

    It's got a bit of Material Girl about it, the Madonna video from back in the day.

  12. Gaga dans la maison!

    Jess Anderson
    BBC Sport in Paris

    GAGA IS HERE!

    A huge cheer from the crowds lining the Seine as pop superstar Lady Gaga appears on the screens.

    Rumours around her presence were rife and she is here!

    ICONIC.

  13. This is wonderful!

    Lady Gaga emerges from behind some pink fluffy pom poms?! I don't know what they are called. Feel free to get in touch.

    And she is singing in French. Who knew Gaga was bilingual?

  14. GagaBBC Sport

    Hold on.

    A break from the boats and the accordions go quiet... it's Lady Gaga.

  15. There have been 200 rehearsal days for this opening ceremony but I'm thinking most of those will have been for the live acts and events that we are going to see over the next couple of hours.

    Smile and wave. This section seems straightforward enough.

  16. The boats are coming thick and fast.

    This music is so catchy too. I'm going to be hearing accordions ringing in my ears for the next few days at this rate.

  17. Room with a view

    Jonathan Jurejko
    BBC Sport at Stade de France

    Fans stand on balconies and watch the Olympics opening ceremonyBBC Sport

    Whatever the rent is for a pad in this part of Paris, it is worth every Euro tonight.

    Scores stand on terraces in one of the classically Hausmannian buildings lining the Seine on the edge of the historic 1st Arrondissement.

  18. Next up it's the Refugee Olympic Team and what a moment for Cindy Ngamba who carries their flag.

    Boxer Ngamba lives in Bolton and trains with Team GB but is unable to represent the team as she continues to fight for a visa and UK citizenship.

    You can read more about her inspirational story here.

  19. GreeceGetty Images

    I hope you're comfy.

    We're going to see 85 boats come down the River Seine with athletes and, keeping with tradition, it's Greece to get us started.

    NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is the flagbearer for Greece.

  20. 'Getting this country together'

    Julien Laurens
    French football expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

    FranceGetty Images

    This is what these Games are about, as well, getting this country together.

    That unity that maybe we've lost.