Birmingham showed off its prowess at the spectacular Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games
As unlikely as it sounds, a giant, mechanical, patchwork bull made of 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, pulled in by the underpaid and overworked female chain makers of the industrial revolution.
He’s taken to a recreation of the Bullring—a landmark in the city that used to be a market, and is now a meeting place and shopping mall.
It is made from parts sourced from local factories, referring to Birmingham’s reputation as a “city of 1,000 trades”, but the way it moves and is emotional touches the heart, as its journey mirrors that of the city.
It begins with pain and fear, then breaks free from its shackles, experiences cultural tension, and finally rises back into a symbol of light and love, and remains in the center of the arena for the rest of the show.
It was a common theme throughout the ceremony, as organizers focused on uniting the Commonwealth of nations.
Pride, passion and fun
One of the most powerful symbols that comes when the Queen’s Scepter enters the stadium.
Diver Tom Daley was the first baton bearer, and he was accompanied by athletes and activists who carried the Pride Progress flag to summon 35 members of the Commonwealth where homosexuality is still criminalized.
Para table tennis player Kim Daybell is another popular stick bearer, the doctor putting his sports career on hold during the early stages of the COVID pandemic to work in the publicly funded UK National Health Service.
Audiences enthusiastically welcome any mention of inclusion and diversity, especially when reminded that there are more medals on offer for women than men at this Olympics, and it will be the largest para-sports program in history.
Australia were the first team to enter the stadium at the Athletes Assembly, although many athletes chose to stay in their villages, while others ducked out of the venue once they lined up.
Load
Flagbearers Eddie Ockenden and Rachel Grinham looked gleeful as they led the team out, with Ockenden turning to his teammates several times to cheer them on and encourage them to join him up front.
Of course, England received the most rousing welcome, with thunderous applause and cheers as the crowd joined We Will Rock You.
Tonga’s legendary shirtless flag bearer Pita Taufatofua wasn’t there, but a Samoan athlete tried to make up for it, producing his own iconic shirtless moment while dancing and uplifting the crowd.
Brummies Duran Duran closed the show with a few songs, bringing the feel of an 80s dance party, ending with an Ordinary World performance amidst fireworks.
Dreamers and famous faces
Stella and The Dreamers, a group of young athletes from across the Commonwealth, were the main characters in the two-and-a-half hour ceremony.
They explore the history and identity of Birmingham and the West Midlands, including its proud manufacturing history, literary credentials and pride in multiculturalism — it is the most culturally diverse city in Britain.
There are many famous faces, including heavy metal co-founder, Black Sabbath guitarist and Brummie Tony Iommi.
Pakistan-born education activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Birmingham resident Malala Yousafzai addresses the crowd.
“Over the next two weeks, as we witness the incredible athletes of the Commonwealth Games, remember that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue their wildest dreams,” he said.
Comedian Sir Lenny Henry, and drag queen Ginny Lemon have entertaining cameos, although one big name is missing.
Queen Elizabeth was unable to attend, and was instead represented by Prince Charles who officially opened the Olympics.
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