An army of artisans is racing to complete thousands of costumes for the Paris Olympics ceremonies that the designers say will each be a unique combination of history, sport and flamboyance. At a workshop in Seine-Saint-Denis on the outskirts of the French capital, some 20 costume designers and milliners were hunched over their creations during a recent visit by Agence France-Presse.

Music pounds through an empty hangar on the outskirts of Paris as dancers perform a few snatches of a top-secret routine in front of giant mirrors. Audiences will get to see the fruits of their labours on 26 July when the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is held in Paris.

Despite security concerns and the potential for attacks, Israel has confirmed its participation in the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It has also been confirmed that Israeli athletes will be accommodated in the Olympic Village, just like any other delegation.

General Bruno Le Ray has been appointed director of security for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games following concerns over the speed and efficiency of the recruitment of private agency personnel.