In Pics | Birmingham Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

The region's rich musical heritage and inclusivity were at the heart of the 22nd Birmingham Commonwealth Games opening ceremony here as a joyful evening offered a stupendous cornucopia of colour, light and dance. The city of Birmingham welcomed 6,500 sportspersons from across 72 nations and territories for the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games at a gala opening ceremony.

Artists perform during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. AP Photo

Athletes gather around the Raging Bull during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium. Credit: AP Photo

Britain's Prince Charles delivers his speech during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Credit: AP Photo

Fireworks go off as the athletes enter the stadium. Credit: AP Photo

Artists perform during the CGW opening ceremony. Credit: PTI Photo

Fireworks go off during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. Credit: AP Photo

Team Pakistan parade during the opening ceremony. Credit: AP Photo

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai addresses the crowd during the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games 2022. Credit: PTI Photo

The athletes of England enter the stadium during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Credit: AP Photo

Team India parade during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. India is represented by 215 athletes who are taking part in 141 events across 19 sporting disciplines. Credit: AP Photo

Fireworks explode during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. Credit: AP Photo

Northern Ireland boxer Carly McNaul is carried by a teammate in the athletes' Parade of Nations during the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, central England. Credit: AFP Photo

Indian team's supporters watch the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. Credit: AP Photo

Athletes of Sri Lanka enter the stadium during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. Credit: AP Photo

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. Credit: AP Photo