Glimpse into the ‘green and pleasant’ opening ceremony of Olympic Games

Artistic director Danny Boyle revealed yesterday a glimpse of what the world can expect from the spectacular which he claimed would open with a “traditional and idyllic view of the British countryside”.

He added: “It is a green and pleasant land because it is something we are really proud of.”

There will be families having picnics and sports being played on the village green in what London 2012 is describing as “one of the largest sets ever built”.

The 62,000 audience in the east London stadium, and a billion people watching worldwide will also see farmers tilling soil while animals graze, while there will also be references to big festivals such as Glastonbury.

It was announced yesterday that a four-year revamp costing £32m of Richmond School in North Yorkshire will be officially opened by Lord Coe to coincide with the arrival of the Olympic Torch on June 20. Foreign Secretary and Richmond’s MP William Hague has also been invited to attend along with Lord Coe, who is himself set to carry the Olympic Torch in Sheffield where he grew up.