Birmingham opened the Commonwealth Games in spectacular style with a captivating, hopeful ceremony at Alexander Stadium. Prince Charles opened the Games when he read a message from the Queen calling Birmingham “a pioneering city … symbolic of the rich diversity and unity of the Commonwealth”.
The Prince of Wales was greeted by Simon Topman MBE Deputy Lieutenant when he first arrived at the Athletes’ Village this afternoon.
He was then introduced to Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Hannah England, Mayor of the Athletes Village and Lord Bilimoria CBE, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham.
Fireworks ensued as LED lights lit up the crowd and Birmingham’s very own Duran Duran entered to end the party as the giant bull swung its head to the beat.
Grimes expressed his disappointment, tweeting: “I cannot attend the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.
“I thought it would be a celebration of Britain and the rest of the nations. Instead, it seems to be a left-wing theater school production crazy about identity politics.”
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai emphasized the importance of education in a surprising appearance, while diver Tom Daley expressed his support for LGBTQ+ rights at the end of the relay race.
But perhaps the biggest shock came when a 10-meter-tall animatronic bull steamed into the stadium as part of a ceremony celebrating the multiculturalism of both Birmingham and the Commonwealth.
At the end of the parade of athletes, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were warmly welcomed before host nation England arrived in a cloud of confetti to skyrocket the volume with a crowd rendition of We Will Rock You.
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The Games are officially open, with events starting on Friday and more than 5,000 athletes representing 72 countries and territories competing in 280 medal events through August 8.
It called for unity for a group of nations whose futures are increasingly uncertain, with the rival nation of Barbados already replacing the queen as head of state and the prime minister of Jamaica saying it will “move on”.
About 3,500 athletes and technical officials will be staying at the Athletes’ Village in the coming weeks.
An estimated 35,000 people will attend tonight’s event at Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, with a further one million expected to be at home.
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Athletes have moved into the property for the past week, which includes a number of gyms, entertainment centers and dining rooms.
There are also several pop-up tents in the village, offering a range of activities for the athletes during the 11 days of the Games, including table tennis courts.