A stunning opening ceremony helped open the 23rd Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea on Friday.

Here, Press Association sport looks at 13 of the most incredible images from the event.

As always at an Olympic opening ceremony, colour was an essential ingredient amid some more abstract performances.

Performers during the opening ceremony at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang
(David Davies/PA)
The opening ceremony at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang
(Sean Haffey/AP)

The ceremony went from spectacular…

Performers during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games
(Mike Egerton/PA)

… to spellbinding, with performers working together to create this stunning tiger.

Performers in a tiger costume during the opening ceremony at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang
(David Davies/PA)

There were treats for the ears as well as the eyes, as singers serenaded those in the stadium with a version of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’.

Singers perform at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang
(Sean Haffey/AP)

The team entrances provided talking points, too. Athletes from South Korea and North Korea entered the stadium under the same flag, wearing white, the colour of peace.

North Korean and South Korean athletes arrive at the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games
(Mike Egerton/PA)

Remember this guy? Tonga’s Pita Taufatofua announced himself to the world with his topless walk-on at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, and having swapped taekwondo for cross-country skiiing, he again appeared in traditional Tongan dress in South Korea.

Tonga flag-bearer Pita Taufatofua during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games
(David Davies/PA)

Meanwhile Bermuda opted for shorts despite the chilly weather.

Team Bermuda arrive at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang
(David Davies/PA)

Britain were led in by reigning Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold, who had planned to emulate Sir Steve Redgrave and others by carrying the Union flag in one hand.

It didn’t go to plan. Afterwards, Yarnold said: “I was hoping to carry it one-handed but I’m afraid I’m not that strong.”

Great Britain's flag bearer Lizzy Yarnold leads out her team during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games
(Mike Egerton/PA)

Athletes from the United States arrived well-prepared to cope with the conditions, wrapped up in stylish coats, hats and gloves.

An athlete from team USA arrives at the opening ceremony at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang
(Clive Mason/AP)

There were, of course, plenty of fireworks on display.

Fireworks are set off as the Olympic torch is lit during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games
(David Davies/PA)

And the torch for the 23rd edition of the winter competition was lit in some style, as torch bearers ascended a glowing staircase to help complete the tradition.

The Olympic torch bearers ascend to light the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang
(Sean Haffey/AP)
Fireworks behind the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics at Pyeongchang
(David J. Phillip/AP)

Let the Games begin.