On Wednesday (August 28) Paris will host its first-ever Paralympic Games which will begin with a spectacular Opening Ceremony in the heart of France's capital.

Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées will play host to 4,400 Paralympic athletes from 184 delegations as they celebrate the commencement of 11 days of competition, starting August 29.

Led by Thomas Jolly, the spectacle will "showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values that they embody", said the Artistic Director for the Ceremonies across the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Paris 2024.

Describing the concept as "first and foremost a magnificent source of inspiration" Jolly promises "performances that have never been seen before" in a "spectacle that will unite spectators and television audiences worldwide around the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games”.

The ceremony will again take place outside the confines of a stadium, with athletes parading down the famous avenue, culminating in a celebration and official opening of the Paralympic Games at the iconic square in front of thousands of spectators.

"What an incredible moment for our athletes, who will be part of a historic Opening Ceremony, on the world’s most famous avenue, surrounded by all the charm of Paris," commented Jitske Visser, Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist, IPC Athletes’ Commission President and competitor at Paris 2024.

Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 President, added: "This ceremony at the heart of the city is a strong symbol illustrating our ambition to capitalise on our country hosting its first-ever Paralympic Games to position the issue of inclusion for people with disabilities at the heart of our society."

All you need to know about the 2024 Paralympics

When is the opening ceremony of the Paralympics?

The opening ceremony is due to start at 7pm BST on Wednesday, August 28 in Paris.

Recommended reading:

Jonnie Peacock piles pressure on his rivals as he targets a third Paralympic title

Funmi Oduwaiye ready to make step up for Paralympic debut

Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson had to ‘crawl off train’ at London King’s Cross

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the festivities live on Channel 4, with coverage on the channel from 6.30pm BST. A live stream will be available via the channel’s website.

When are the Paralympics?

The competition in Paris begins on Thursday, August 29 and continues until Sunday, September 8. There are 549 medal events across 22 sports.