Olympics 2012 Opening Ceremony time, schedule: London welcomes world tonight with massive event

One of the biggest secrets in London will finally be revealed today Friday: what will happen at the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympic Games.

Friday night perhaps a billion people will finally get to see the extravaganza created by Danny Boyle, best known for the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionare."

The day got off to a resounding start as bells around the country, including London's famous Big Ben, pealed for three minutes.

The Olympic torch, which has traveled around the United Kingdom over the past 70 days, then set off on the final leg of its journey toward the stadium, aboard the royal barge Gloriana.