Commonwealth Video games opening ceremony LIVE: Newest updates as Birmingham 2022 begins

To borrow an oft-quoted phrase, reviews of the loss of life of the Commonwealth Video games have lengthy been tremendously exaggerated, writes James Toney.

The refrain of cynics fireplace their pictures with the unerring accuracy of a boxer’s uppercut, nag away for few days after which, by the point every thing is finished, it’s ‘see you in 4 years’.

As a result of right here these Video games are once more, 22 editions in and nonetheless punching above their weight in a crowded sporting calendar. Birmingham’s quirky first-night present received’t have performed any hurt in that scrap.

Nevertheless, this alliance of countries, cast by the pink bits of a long-yellowing world order, has in all probability by no means been extra precarious. For too a few years they’ve been held collectively by one lady, now 96, and this sports activities occasion. Which appears, it have to be stated, greater than just a bit fragile.

Birmingham’s opening evening didn’t draw back from the challenges of what can generally appear an uneasy alliance, in a intelligent, vibrant and vibrant present described as a ‘love letter’ to the West Midlands.

Effectively, it was actually fairly one thing. Birmingham 2022 actually placed on a present for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth.

There was a lot of great things, some actually cool imagery and perhaps some bits that didn’t fairly hit the mark however hey, what opening ceremony doesn’t have that blend!

The enormous mechanical bull will reside lengthy within the reminiscence for certain! Our color piece from the ceremony will likely be up shortly.

A few numbers from Duran Duran to complete – Save a Prayer among the many songs. Respectable stuff from Le Bon and co. The Alexander Stadium crowd adore it.

Right here we go, the grand finale! It’s Birmingham’s most interesting Duran Duran, led by Simon Le Bon, to headline the present.

Prince Charles reads the message from the Queen, the fireworks go off and the Commonwealth Video games 2022 is formally open!

We then get some ultimate nonsense with Stella and the dreamers as they carry up their shards of starlight – the completely different, imperfect fragments of the cosmos that then come collectively to kind one thing magical. I’m certain you get the metaphor.

Geva Mentor, Mel Marshall and Sue Redfern learn the Commonwealth oath. The Video games is nearly formally opened!

Now Tom Daley runs within the Queen’s baton. The diving legend utilizing the second to spotlight LGBTQ+ points.

He palms the baton on to hockey famous person Alex Danson-Bennett to run the following leg – supporting most cancers analysis – earlier than handing over to Kim Daybell – a desk tennis medallist, who was additionally engaged on the NHS frontline in the course of the pandemic. He’s working for the NHS.

Galal Yafai, Birmingham native and Olympic boxing medallist is subsequent to take the baton and he palms over to ten-time Commonwealth medal winner Max Whitlock. The gymnast is elevating consciousness for conversations round psychological well being and he takes the baton up the steps.

Whitlock has to do a little bit of gymnastics, a cartwheel after which climbs up some plastic plates held by different athletes. All feels barely harmful!

He’s then raised up and eventually passes it to Denise Lewis, who brings the baton to the primary stage, the place Prince Charles is ready. And on behalf of the Queen, he reads a message.

Okay, the parade of countries is full. The Commonwealth flag now being paraded in, carried in by Commonwealth Video games stars of the previous from across the Commonwealth.

It’s taken to the primary stage and raised. Run it up the flagpole and let’s see who salutes!

Mo Farah and Nicola Adams ship in messages of help for Workforce England. The mammoth England crew are nonetheless parading across the enviornment. So many medal possibilities inside the squad.

Workforce Scotland had the most effective European search for my cash. These blue kilts are immense

And listed below are the hosts! Workforce England parade in to We Will Rock You. Diver Jack Laugher and weightlifter Emily Campbell are the flagbearers.

A 430-strong England crew competing in these Video games. It’s a middling outfit look I’d say. The purple jackets are good, muted khaki trousers and white t-shirts fairly meh.

Big roars from the group for the house favourites.