Play Brightcove video
ITV News Central Correspondent Mark Gough reports on people in Birmingham getting into the Commonwealth spirit
The Commonwealth Games are here as Birmingham prepares for a sporting extravaganza over the next 12 days.
When is the Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony?
The Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony officially kicks off the games at the Alexander Stadium at 8pm today.
It will be the first time the stadium has been used during the Games, following its £72m transformation.
An estimated 30,000 people will watch it live, with millions more watching from around the world.
How can I see it?
Coverage of the 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony starts at 7pm today (July 28) on BBC One and runs until 10.30pm.
Who attends the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games?
The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, will represent Her Majesty the Queen and officially open the Games at tonight’s opening ceremony.
It will take place at the newly refurbished Alexander Stadium in front of over 30,000 spectators and an estimated global audience of over one billion people.
Who performs at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games?
The ceremony is expected to last two and a half hours, with a full schedule of performances to look forward to.
The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, will represent Her Majesty the Queen and officially open the Games.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is executive producing Opening Ceremony.
He is joined by a team of creative minds behind the evening, including Iqbal Khan, Artistic Director and Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, Musical Director.
British music icons Duran Duran will headline the ceremony in the city where they began their 40-year musical career.
Duran Duran to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Credit: PA
Tony Iommi, guitarist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath will also take the stage in the city where he was born.
Rising local stars Indigo Marshall and Gambimi will also be among the night’s line-up.
Birmingham Conservatoire graduate Samantha Oxborough, mezzo-soprano, will perform the national anthem and a choir of more than 700, from 15 West Midlands choirs, will also perform at the opening ceremony.
When will the England team flag bearers come out?
The Commonwealth Games Parade of Nations will start with the host nation of the previous Commonwealth Games (in this case Australia) and end with this year’s Commonwealth Games host nation – Team England!
What will the Games mean for the Midlands in the coming years?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that “it’s Birmingham’s time to shine”.
Birmingham is set to host the biggest ever sports and para-sport programme, with more medals for women than men for the first time at a major multi-sport event.
£778 million of public investment is being put in place to leave a lasting legacy for the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands, it has been announced.