Client: HTYT & International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
Location: Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, UK
Type: Live in-person event
Expertise: Event logistics and production
Services: Event management, production, set & staging, creative consultancy, logistics and onsite support
all projectsThe 2024 Paralympics Flame Lighting Ceremony was held at Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympic Games, to celebrate the rich heritage of the movement.
The ceremony featured Paralympic athletes Helene Raynsford and Gregor Ewan lighting the flame, which marked the beginning of the flame’s journey to Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games.
mcm Creative Group oversaw the event logistics and production, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all.
the challenge
Managing the significance of this ceremonial event in a location symbolic of Paralympic history required meticulous attention to detail.
The ceremony honored the legacy of Stoke Mandeville while introducing a fresh narrative for Paris 2024.
Coordinating with the team at HTYT, the IPC and Sponsors, the mcm team worked hard to ensure that the flawless onsite execution was kept paramount, particularly with high-profile athletes, Channel 4, and key stakeholders in attendance.
Additionally, the event signaled the start of journey of the flame, which involved crossing the English Channel and continuing a relay across France, required detailed logistical planning to align with the grand scale of the event.

the result
The ceremony was executed flawlessly, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees whose spirits were not damped by the unseasonal rain.
The event received significant media attention across the BBC News, ITV, Channel 4, Sky News and France 24. with video coverage and news reports reaching international audiences. The ceremony was also covered extensively on social media, enhancing its visibility.
The flame, lit by Helene Raynsford and Gregor Ewan, began its journey to Paris under the English Channel before continuing through France.
The flame-lighting event garnered significant media attention and was a golden performance in every sense, reinforcing the significance of the Paralympic heritage.

“No words needed. Held it all together, no ask was too big, you took everything in your stride and were an absolute joy to work with – thank you
Craig Spence
Chief Brand & Communications Officer, International Paralympic Committee