The world famous acrobatic display team of the Royal Air Force will perform a spectacular fly-past during the ceremony, taking place on the eve of the Games on the South Lawn of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Wednesday, September 10.

Organisers are expecting up to 5,000 spectators to gather for the event, which will also feature a performance of the official Invictus Games anthem, penned by Chris Martin from Coldplay.

There will also be displays from the ceremonial unit of the British Army; The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Queen's Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment) as well as performances by bands from the Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force.

Creative director of the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony, Kim Gavin, will oversee the event which will also feature more than 400 athletes from 14 countries taking part in the Competitors Parade.

"The Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games will be a fantastic way to kick off what we know will be an inspirational four days of sport," said Sir Keith Mills, chairman of the Invictus Games.

"The men and women who will be competing have already given so much and we hope the Opening Ceremony will demonstrate to them just how much we recognise this.

"I'd urge the public to really show their support as well."

The world famous Red Arrows will be performing at the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games ©Getty Images



John-James Chalmers of 42 Commando Royal Marines is one of the competitors hoping to be selected for the British team for the Games, which is due to take place until September 14.

"The Invictus Games have given a whole international community of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women something to strive for," said 26-year-old Chalmers, who is aiming to compete in athletics and cycling events.

"For us it's about much more than four days of sport.

"But come September we'll be ready to show our Invictus spirit in the sporting arena.

"That all starts with the Opening Ceremony and we hope the public will be there to give us their support.

"It promises to be quite a show and will set the tone for what's to come."

The Invictus Games are aimed at sick, injured and wounded military personnel and are being supported by Prince Harry ©Invictus Games



Championed by Prince Harry and supported by the Ministry of Defence and The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Invictus Games aim to provide sick, injured and wounded service personnel the opportunity to compete in high-level competitive sport to help inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.

Athletes will compete in nine adaptive sports - athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball.

The Opening Ceremony will be shown live on the BBC and tickets for the Ceremony as well as for all sessions for the Games cost £12.85 ($22/€16) and can be purchased here.

A special Closing Concert will also take place on Sunday, September 14, details of which will be announced by organisers in due course.

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