Yahoo News Commonwealth Games opening ceremony: Line-up and how to watch live
Watch: What you need to know ahead of the Commonwealth Games
The 2022 Commonwealth Games will get under way with an opening ceremony at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium on Thursday evening.
More than 5,000 athletes will take part in the Games, which will be the biggest sporting event in the UK since London 2012 Olympics.
Here is everything you need to know about the ceremony.
When is the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony?
The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony will take place between 7pm and 10.30pm on Thursday.
About 30,000 spectators are due to attend the event, including Prince Charles, who will deliver a speech on behalf of The Queen.
Creative director Steven Knight, who created BBC show Peaky Blinders, said the "mind-blowing" ceremony will tell the story of what "Birmingham has given to the world".
Artistic director Iqbal Khan said the performance will also address the "problematic history" of the Commonwealth.
Who is performing?
The ceremony will be headlined by Duran Duran, one of Birmingham's most famous music exports, who are due to perform four songs.
Frontman Simon Le Bon said the group were "honoured" to be part of the "momentous event".
Black Sabbath co-founder Tony Iommi, another notable Brummie musician, is also on the line-up.
The heavy metal guitarist will perform alongside saxophonist Soweto Kinch and R&B singers Indigo Marshall and Gambimi.
Mezzo-soprano Samantha Oxborough will perform the national anthem, supported by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and musicians from the Royal Marines.
A choir of more than 700 individuals, drawn from 15 choirs from across the West Midlands, will also be involved in the event.
They will be led by Carol Pemberton, who is music director of Black Voices, one of Europe's leading female a cappella groups.
How can I watch it live?
The ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm to 10.30pm on Thursday, with coverage led by Clare Balding.
It will be repeated on BBC Two between 1:30am and 5am on Friday.
