The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony has been dubbed the “worst in history” by angry BBC viewers watching the action unfold.
It will come as a blow to France and French President Emmanuel Macron, whose government spent somewhere in the region of £8.4bn to bring the ceremony to the city centre – rather than the traditional stadium approach.
It comes as many visitors from all over the world struggled to make it to Paris in time for the spectacle, after arsonists sparked travel chaos on France’s rail network hours before it was due to start, with the Eurostar also affected.
But angry fans slammed the unique display, which included performances from French dancers and global super stars including Lady Gaga.
Dr Luka Vicinic, a lecturer based in London, said: “Honestly, this is the worst Olympic Games Opening Ceremoy since I can remember. Seriously, what on Earth is this?”
@Coppenhagga added: “The worst opening ceremony ever. It will never be Rio 2016!”
Meanwhile @_annatx chimed in: “I’m actually embarrassed on the behalf of France, this is going down as the worst opening ceremony in history.”
@victoriia207 said: “This opening ceremony is the creepiest, worst, and most boring one ever. please never let Paris do this again.”
But there were plenty of people who enjoyed the Opening Ceremony which was indeed like no other, as boats jam-packed with Olympians sailed down the River Seine as 300,000 spectators lined the city’s streets.
@crafymate defended the ceremony, writing on X: “Enjoying being a couch potato to watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony from my favourite city in the world Paris! This is incredible! Innovative original and spectacular!”
PM Sir Keir Starmer was among those watching from the main stadium in the Jardins du Trocadero, donned in a Team GB rain jacket while others were decked out in ponchos.
Other famous faces within the stadium – aside from IOC president Thomas Bach and French President Emmanuel Macron included Ariana Grande, Serena Williams and John Legend.
The parade continued through 12 ‘scenes’, with dances and performances along the river each telling part of the story of Paris and of France.