Highlights from the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremonies

From fireworks and flying performers to a welcome from professor Stephen Hawking, the London Paralympic Games started off with a bang exploring the theme of Enlightenment. Here, TIME presents the best moments from the opening ceremonies.
Performers with umbrellas are suspended in mid-air during the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Paralympics in London,

Related Topics: Kate Middleton, London, Opening Ceremony, Paralympics, Prince William, Stephen Hawking, Paralympics