Unlikely as it may seem, a giant, mechanical, mosaic bull made from scrap metal has provided the emotional core of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
The “raging bull” roared into Alexander Stadium midway through the show, dragged down by the underpaid, overworked female chain-makers of the industrial revolution.
He was taken to a recreation of the bullring, a famous place in the city that was once a market and is now a central meeting place and shopping center.
It was made from parts sourced from local factories, a nod to Birmingham’s reputation as the ‘city of 1,000 trades’, but the way it moved and moved struck a chord, as its journey it reflected that of the city.
Lorell Boyce’s character Stella befriends the bull. (Reuters: Hannah McKay)
He started out hurt and scared, then broke free from his shackles, experienced cultural tensions, and finally became a symbol of light and love again, and remained at the center of the arena for the rest of the show .
It was a common theme throughout the ceremony as organizers focused on bringing the nations of the Commonwealth together.
Pride, passion and fun
One of the most powerful symbols of this came when the Queen’s baton entered the stadium.
Diver Tom Daley was the first baton bearer, and he was joined by athletes and activists carrying Pride Progress flags to call on the 35 Commonwealth countries where homosexuality is still criminalised.
Another popular baton bearer was table tennis player Kim Daybell, the doctor who put his sporting career on hold during the early stages of the COVID pandemic to work in England’s publicly funded National Health Service.
Any mention of inclusion and diversity was enthusiastically received by the public, especially when reminded that these Games are offering more medals for women than men, and will have the largest para-sports program in history.
Australia was the first team to enter the stadium at the Athletes’ Assembly, although many athletes chose to stay in their villages, while others left the venue once they had left.
loading
Flag-bearers Eddie Ockenden and Rachel Grinham looked happy as they led the team, with Ockenden turning several times to his team-mates to encourage them to join him at the front.
Of course, England received the most rousing welcome, with clapping and stomping as the crowd joined in with We Will Rock You.
Tonga’s legendary shirtless flag bearer Pita Taufatofua was not there, but one Samoan athlete tried to make up for it, producing his own iconic shirtless moment as he danced and cheered on the crowd.
Brummies Duran Duran closed the show with several songs, bringing the ultimate 80s dance party vibe, ending with a rendition of Ordinary World amid fireworks.
Team Australia was one of the largest groups to march to the ceremony. (Getty: David Ramos)
Dreamers and famous faces
Stella and The Dreamers, a group of young athletes from across the Commonwealth, headlined the two-and-a-half-hour ceremony.
They explored the history and identity of Birmingham and the West Midlands, including its proud manufacturing history, literary credentials and pride in multiculturalism – it is the UK’s most culturally diverse city.
There were plenty of famous faces, including one of the founding fathers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath guitarist and Brummie Tony Iommi.
Pakistan-born, Nobel Peace Prize-winning, Birmingham-based education activist Malala Yousafzai addressed the crowd.
“Over the next two weeks, when we look at the incredible athletes at the Commonwealth Games, remember that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential and chase their wildest dreams,” he said.
Comedian Sir Lenny Henry and drag queen Ginny Lemon had entertaining cameos, although one big name was missing.
Queen Elizabeth was unable to make it and was instead represented by Prince Charles, who officially opened the Games.