Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games officially begins at Alexander Stadium opening ceremony
The Commonwealth Games has officially begun, with an opening ceremony celebrating the history and culture of the Midlands.
With a mix of dancing, singing and acting, the ceremony has officially opened the games at the Alexander Stadium.
It is the first time the stadium has been used during the games, after its £72 million transformation.
Birmingham born Duran Duran headlined the ceremony, as part of a line-up of acclaimed musicians and rising stars
The Prince of Wales - accompanied by The Duchess of Cornwall - represented Her Majesty The Queen and officially opened the Games.
They made their entrance in a Midlands made Aston Martin.
An estimated 30,000 people have been watching it live, with millions more watching from around the world.
The spectacle has increased in size and scope as the evening has progressed.
Creator of the Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, is the executive producer of the opening ceremony.
He is joined by a team of creative masterminds behind the evening including Iqbal Khan, Artistic Director and Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, musical director.
Iqbal Khan, said: “I am a proud son of Birmingham, born to Pakistani parents growing up in Small Heath. My parents traveled to embrace opportunities.
"They negotiated serious challenges here. Their strength and legacy is imprinted in me and this place.
“During the show, I wanted to explore themes of home and how our expressions of where we are from resonate across the Commonwealth family.
Developing this theme has also allowed us to tell the story of how Birmingham has been enriched by its embrace of generations of Commonwealth communities, emerging as the vibrant, multicultural city that it is today.
“The last few years have reminded us all about how close we are to our families and friends, but also how separated and isolated we can feel."
He added: “In this Opening Ceremony, we are bringing Birmingham to the world.”