Fireworks & Pyrotechnics at the 2024 Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony

What a way to kick off the 2024 Paralympics! Paris truly knows how to put on a show, and this year's opening ceremony was no exception. Athletes from around the world paraded down the iconic Champs-Elysees, with the stunning Arc de Triomphe and a beautiful Parisian sunset setting the scene for a celebration like no other.

This wasn't your typical stadium affair. For the first time ever, the Paralympic opening ceremony was held outside of a stadium and took place right in the heart of the French capital. The main event unfolded at the historic Place de la Concorde, with the athletes parading along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, with all the drama and glamour you’d expect from such a prestigious event.

A Star-Studded Celebration

Among the highlights, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was there to cheer on the ParalympicsGB team as they made their entrance. Athletes Lucy Shuker and Terry Bywater, chosen by their teammates as flagbearers, proudly led the British contingent. Meanwhile, France’s own Nantenin Keita and Alexis Hanquinquant were at the helm for the host nation, receiving a massive cheer as they joined the party atmosphere at Place de la Concorde.

French singer-songwriter Christine and the Queens delivered an electrifying performance of "Je Ne Regrette Rien" and Ravel’s "Bolero," while Lucky Love kept the crowd hyped up. The Patrouille de France – the country's elite aerobatics team – even added their own flair, soaring above Paris with a patriotic smoke display in red, white, and blue.

Lighting the Flame and Fireworks to Remember

The Paralympic flame was paraded by twelve Paralympic champions on its journey to the Jardin des Tuileries, where flagbearers Keita and Hanquinquant, along with Charles Antoine Kouakou, Fabien Lamirault, and Elodie Lorandi, had the honour of lighting the cauldron. In a breathtaking moment, the cauldron was lifted into the sky just as a spectacular fireworks display erupted, lighting up the Paris night.

British astronaut John McFall also had a special role, carrying the Paralympic flag alongside French sailor Damien Seguin. Unlike other flagbearers representing their specific countries, they carried the flag on behalf of the entire Paralympic Games.

A Crowd-Pleasing Parade Under Parisian Skies

This year, around 65,000 people lined the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde to witness the action. The parade was free for spectators to watch, creating a buzz and excitement along one of the world's most famous avenues.

The ticketed open-air event itself drew in a crowd of 35,000, who enjoyed a magical atmosphere with music, performances, and a stunning setting.

Unlike the Olympic Games, which had athletes braving torrential rain on boats down the River Seine, the Paralympics enjoyed golden skies and perfect summer weather – a fitting backdrop for the start of what promises to be a memorable Games.

Already A Record-Breaking Event

With over 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations, this year's Paralympics is a;ready breaking records with the highest number of participants in its history. These incredible competitors will be battling it out in 22 sports, with a total of 549 gold medals up for grabs.

And there you have it – a dazzling start to what promises to be an incredible Paralympic Games. From the epic parade down the Champs-Elysees to the dramatic fireworks finale, Paris has once again delivered a show to remember.