Fireworks rehearsal for the Olympic opening

A full dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games was held at the National Stadium, or Bird's Nest, on Wednesday night.

Fireworks explode over the National Stadium, also known  as the Bird's Nest, during a rehearsal for the opening  ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the Olympic  Green in Beijing, July 16, 2008. [Agencies]

Tight security was deployed outside the stadium to keep secret details of the three-and-a-half hour ceremony.

The fireworks took many sightseers by surprise. They said they are confident the opening ceremony will go well.

 Over 17,000 actors participated in the rehearsal and officials say two more rehearsals are scheduled.

Fireworks explode over the National Stadium, also known  as the Bird's Nest, during a rehearsal for the opening  ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the Olympic  Green in Beijing, July 16, 2008. [Agencies]

Fireworks explode over the National Stadium, also known  as the Bird's Nest, during a rehearsal for the opening  ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the Olympic  Green in Beijing, July 16, 2008. [Agencies]