Welcome to the final dress rehearsal... for queuing: Thousands trying to get home from last dry run of Opening Ceremony deserve a medal for their pati

By ADAM SHERGOLD

Against a backdrop of blue lasers, spectators leave the Olympic Stadium following a rehearsal of the opening ceremony last night

A final dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony allowed some 10,000 performers to fine-tune their spectacular routines in front of a full house at the Olympic Stadium last night.
But it also gave the spectators some essential training in how to cope with another breath-taking aspect of the Games - the queues.
With less than two days to go until the London Olympics are officially opened by Danny Boyle's extravaganza, it seems fans are going to have plenty of time to chat about it afterwards.

There were huge queues at Stratford Station as thousands of spectators tried to leave the Olympic Park after a final rehearsal of the opening ceremony

Last night, there were lengthy queues from the entrance to Stratford Station back through the Westfield Shopping Centre as 60,000 spectators tried to board Underground and National Rail trains away from the Olympic Park.
There were packed platforms inside the station as volunteers frantically tried to direct the stream of people on to the right trains.
But at least they were running - after the first dress rehearsal on Monday night, a similar number of spectators leaving the stadium were informed that the Central Line wasn't operating and they would have to find alternative transport.

A passenger is told there's no more room in the carriage as spectators at a final dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony cram onto Underground trains at Stratford Station

The size of the queue to get on to Underground trains at Stratford Station is all too much for this girl

A steward tries to direct tired-looking passengers on to a packed platform at Stratford Underground Station after the second dress rehearsal of the Olympic opening ceremony

Spectators wait on packed platforms at Stratford Underground station for Central Line trains back into Central London

The Central Line will be a crucial link between the West End of London and the Olympic Park in Stratford

These shops in the Westfield Centre will make thousands in passing trade during the Olympics, judging by this picture of the queue to get in to Stratford Station

There were big queues across the bridge linking the Olympic Park, Stratford Station and the Westfield shopping complex

In another ominous sign, there were further transport problems this morning.
A fire alert at Canary Wharf station on the Jubilee Line during the rush hour caused the evacuation of one of London's busiest Underground stations.
Meanwhile, cable theft caused misery to rail commuters both north and south of the Capital.

These spectators had to finish off their alcohol before being allowed in to the Olympic Park

Journey times on First Capital Connect services were extended by 90 minutes following a signalling fault at Bedford, while Southeastern trains through London to the South were also affected.
Then, a fire on a disused platform in West London caused delays to mainline services out of Paddington, including the Heathrow Express service.
Restrictions caused by Olympic traffic-only Games Lanes continued to cause tail-backs, notably on Waterloo Bridge and on the A40 in West London.

This couple are obviously tired of waiting as they try and get home after the opening ceremony rehearsal

Police officers direct spectators into Stratford Underground station following the second dress rehearsal of the Olympic opening ceremony last night

A man complains about the queue to buy tickets for events outside the Olympic Park in Stratford

The Olympic opening ceremony remains one of Britain's most closely guarded secrets despite well over 100,000 people having now seen it.
Fans invited to the sneak previews of the £27m spectacle were urged personally by Slumdog Millionaire director Boyle to 'save the surprise' for the estimated one billion around the world who will tune in to watch on Friday night.
Organisers invited London 2012 volunteers, competition winners and others connected to the Games on the proviso that they kept quiet about what they saw.
It is already common knowledge that the stadium has been transformed into a British rural idyll.

The crowd at the rehearsal were treated to a spectacular fireworks display above the Olympic Stadium and Orbit sculpture (left)

The stadium will be packed with at least 62,000 spectators, 16,000 athletes, 10,000 performers, 70 sheep, 12 horses, ten chickens, three cows, two goats and even dogs and geese.
Traditional countryside cottages will stand together with a mining wheel, harking back to the country's proud industrial heritage, all drenched in faked pouring rain to reflect Britain's typical weather.
And mimicking scenes across the country every weekend, a cricket pitch has even been laid with a game planned for during the ceremony.

Four lucky ticket holders to the second dress rehearsal of the Olympics opening ceremony in Stratford last night. The actual opening ceremony which will officially open the Games is on Friday evening

But in the main the contents of the three hour multi-million pound extravaganza is still a complete mystery.
One aspect of the ceremony that is most definitely still a secret is who will light the Olympic cauldron. The latest rumour is that David Beckham will light it with a flaming football.

David Beckham in action for the MLS All-Stars in a pre-season match with Chelsea last night

The football star, 37, wasn't giving anything away yesterday however. He said: 'I'm playing a small part in the opening ceremony, which I am excited about.
'I'd love to tell you the details but I can't. It's exciting, it's going to be good.
'I am honoured to be involved because, obviously, I was involved in the start process with this seven years ago.'
LOCOG chief executive Paul Deighton wasn't giving the game away either, but he said the choice was 'easy'.
Mr Deighton, who sat on the panel which made the selection, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: 'It was surprising how we reached unanimity pretty quickly.
“I think when everyone sees our choice last night they will understand why we made it.'

The Union Flag is projected onto the Houses of Parliament last night to mark the London Olympics

Swiss tennis star and Wimbledon champion Roger Federer will be one of the star attractions at the London Olympics

Britain's rowing team will be hoping to emulate the achievements of this gold medal-winning quartet from the 2000 Sydney Games, seen here on a projection on the Houses of Parliament

LOCOG revealed yesterday that spectators will be given a variety of musical themes, with Sir Elton John selected to accompany the archery at Lord's and Dizzee Rascal playing at the basketball at the North Greenwich Arena.
In-ear commentary will also be available at a cost of £10 to boost spectators' understanding of some of the more obscure sports.

source: dailymail