Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature The ceremony closes: As Le Bon belts out the final chorus of Ordinary World, the sky over Alexander Stadium explodes in colour as thousdands of fireworks are set off. It’s quite the spectacular way in which to sign off on what has been a heartfelt love letter to Birmingham, whose Commonwealth Games begin in earnest tomorrow morning.
It’s time for Duran Duran!!!
Barely looking barely a day older than the smouldering sex-symbol whose image used to be Blu Tacked to my older sister’s bedroom wall in the mid-eighties, Simon Le Bonis is a vision in a salmon pink blazer, black T-shirt and silver strides as he, John Taylor, Nick Rhodes and The Other One launch into a medley of their greatest hits, accompanied by the City of Brimingham Symphony Orchestra. Crème Brulee Duran Duran take to the stage. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Reuters Updated at 22.29 BST Over to you, Prince Charles: Dame Louise opens the baton to remove a message from the Queen which is read by her first born son, who proceeds to declare the Games open. Cue: pyrotechnics as, clutching their shards, the central characters of this ceremony retreat to their wedding cake shaped house at one end of the stadium. So long, Stella and the Dreamers … it’s been emotional. And quite weird and a little sinister. Welcome to Birmingham! The Queen’s Baton relay concludes: Diving’s Tom Daley, hockey’s Alex Danson, table-tennis’s Kim Daybell, boxing’s Galal Yafai, gymnast Max Whitlock, and track and field’s Denise Lewis do the honours before handing the baton over to Dame Louise Martin. Daley is accompanied by a group of LBGT+ flag-bearers, Whitlock has to earn his corn, despite not competing this year – he takes the baton up the back of the stand before climbing an impromptu human staircase to hand the baton to Lewis on the upper tier. Max Whitlock passes the Queens Baton to Denise Lewis. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Updated at 22.27 BST The flag is raised to much fanfare: At which point Dame Louise Martin, the Commonwealth Games Federation President, thanks the city of Birmingham for hosting the games and welcomes all comers. “I am thrilled to see this stadium full of supporters and teams from right across the Commonwealth,” she says. We’re not done yet. The ceremonial flag of the Commonwealth Games federation is carried into the stadium by assorted former athletes and will need hoisting ahead of some speechifying from various dignitaries and a set from Duran Duran. England’s sizeable contingent whip them in: Wearing red blazers, white T-shirts and cream troos, Team England’s athletes are led out, with diving’s Jack Laugher and weightlifting’s Emily Campbell waving the flag. Emily Campbell and Jack Laugher lead the England team out. Photograph: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock Updated at 21.58 BST Wales march out: Fresh from his third place finish on the Tour de France, Cav’s former team-mate Geraint Thomas is carrying the flag for Wales alongside squash player Tesni Evans. Lenny Henry introduces the European representatives: Accompanied by the swimmer Laura Kinley, Mark Cavendish is one of two flag-bearers for the Isle of Man. Winning a second Commonwealth Games medal is unlikely to make up for his disappointment at not getting picked to have a crack at beating Eddie Merckx’s Tour de France stage record in the past few weeks, but he seems genuinely chuffed to be in Birmingham. Noreen Khan: The BBC Asian Network presenter and Brummie lass introduces the athletes representing Caribbean nations. There’s no near-the-knuckle Lycett-style insubordination from her. Joe Lycett takes the microphone: Wearing a tremendously garish tracksuit that looks like something Dame Edna Everage might wear to a spin class, the comedian introduces the Asian contingent. “I’m going to do something now that the British government doesn’t always do and welcome some foreigners,” he tells the cheering crowd. Needless to say, the BBC commentary team studiously ignore this genuine LOL moment. This opening ceremony seems designed to give young children nightmares and you have to respect that — Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) July 28, 2022 Duran Duran: Ladies of a certain age will be delighted to learn that the 80s heartthrobs are due to close tonight’s ceremony with four hits from their back catalogue. “The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is a momentous event for the great city of Birmingham,” said lead singer Simon Le Bon. “And we in Duran Duran are honoured to be a part of it in our home town.” His bandmate Roger Taylor is similarly enthused. “It is so good to be participating in the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games this year, performing for the first time with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra,” he said. Duran Duran. One for the kids. Photograph: Gunter W Kienitz/Shutterstock Updated at 21.28 BST The parade goes on: Introduced by Birmingham comedian Shazia Mirza, whose valiant attempts at gags fall predictably flat in the face of a booming background soundtrack, the various African nations make their way out on to the arena. The athletes’ parade begins: First out of the traps are Australia, who have come mob-handed with 433 athletes. They’re followed by the representatives of the Cook Islands. Eddie Ockenden carries the Australian flag as the athletes’ parade begins. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters Updated at 21.02 BST Our volunteer marshalls take to the arena: Dressed like so many Tommy Shelbys, an army of volunteers take their positions around our massive bull ahead of the athletes’ parade. But first, a word from Lenny Henry. “That was some ceremony,” he says. “Or else I had the wrong kind of mushrooms on my toast this morning.” Preach, Lenny. The bull is riled up again! Birmingham’s journey towards multiculturalism is highlighted through the medium of – yep, you’ve guessed it – dance and we learn how the city has overcome moments of misunderstanding and tension as it has moved towards mutual tolerance. “We witness the initial energy, joy and confidence of different cultural groups encountering each other as groups and dancers and musicians celebrate their own tribes. “However, it’s not long before tensions arise. None listen to each other or learn. There is only growing competition, to silence challenge. The Bull roars in agony, collapses and bleeds. Stella and The Dreamers use their Shards to call for a moment of reflection; all are stilled and humbled. “They recognise that this is Birmingham’s time for transformation – the chance for a fresh start. They can see that this Birmingham is a place for everyone, for all of us. Together they heal the hurt as the Bull’s armour is lifted away and he is revealed as a symbol of light and love.” While I only have to copy and paste quite a lot of this stuff, spare a thought for the BBC commentary dream team of Andrew Cotter and Hazel Irvine who have to say it out loud. Without laughing. On live television. Enter the bull! “Female chain-makers of the Industrial Revolution were underpaid and overworked,” we’re told. “Not only were they responsible for making some of the chains used in the slave trade, but they too were enslaved by their dire circumstances. That was until they took back control by participating in the 1910 minimum wage strike. “As a frenetic beat pounds to remind us of the relentless, heartless drive of industry, 50 female chain-makers drag a giant, massively impressive heavily armoured bull into the bullring. Scarred by past hurt and enraged by the city’s inability to learn from its mistakes, the bull breaks away and escapes. This causes pandemonium and, in an act of emancipation, the women break their own chains. “When Stella and the Dreamers encounter The Bull, they choose not to run. They offer compassion and understanding. Stella chooses to embrace this traumatised and scarred creature, starting a friendship between the two. In Stella’s single action, we can see that we are all worthy of love, whoever we are and whatever our circumstances may be. “Now freed from the bonds that held them captive, the women and the bull can leave the shackles of the past behind and acknowledge each other in a gesture of mutual compassion and respect.” No, really. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Updated at 20.51 BST Birmingham: Carnival of Firsts: Known as the City of a Thousand Trades and the Workshop of the World during 18th and 19th centuries, Birmingham was at the centre of the Industrial Revolution, with heavy industries dominating the Black Country landscape. “The original Bullring Market was established in the 12th century and was used for bull-baiting, as well as the sale of goods. The Bullring remains a popular meeting place, most notably for its 6.5-tonne bronze bull by British sculptor Laurence Broderick. “Experience the Bullring for yourself as our fabulous MC Ginny Lemon guides you around this mesmerising landmark. Featuring a performance by The Destroyers, you can see local characters as they set up stall, including the Miskin King, the Andy Carrier lady, Little Jimmy Win and Holy Joe.” A procession of giant carnival floats enter, each giving you the chance to learn about a Birmingham first – objects born in the city, but now used all around the world. Tony Iommi in the house! The Black Sabbath legend plays a guitar solo as dancers from the Birmingham Royal Ballet and other dancers strut their stuff, homage is paid to the many Irish workers who converged on Birmingham to help build the city’s canals. There follows a rendition of Hear My Voice, with dancers from Critical Mass, a 300-strong dance collective from across the West Midlands, bust some moves. Soweto Kinch, Indigo Marshall and Gambimi also participate. Updated at 20.59 BST Malala Yousafzai speaks: The Pakistani activist for female…
