The atmosphere in Birmingham is electric as the city prepares for Thursday’s (28 July) Commonwealth games opening ceremony.
Victoria Square vibrated with energy on Wednesday night to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to the Host City. It was one of the biggest celebrations to have taken place for the Commonwealth Games 2022 yet, and there is more to come.
It was a proud moment for Birmingham, which is also one of the most diverse cities in the UK.
The baton came to Victoria Square after traveling through the 72 countries and territories part of the Commonwealth. It travelled more than 90,000 miles to make it to multicultural Birmingham - where more than 35% of the population is made of people of colour, as per Population Data.
At 6.45pm, the energy was at its highest crescendo as people waited to see Sir Lenny Henry, the Dudley-born legend. Henry has been a performer for more than four decades and represents the creative talent that West Midlands holds within. The comedian honoured his home town. He said: “And a shout-out to Dudley in the West Midlands because that’s where I’m from.”
He shared that his family can’t believe that he was given the opportunity to be a baton-bearer and bring it to Birmingham. It was a moment of “massive pride” for him. The festivities continued into the night as more performers took to the stage to entertain the crowds.
Here are some photos from last night’s Victoria Square party.
1. Victoria Square on Wednesday evening
2. The clock counting down to the start of the Games
3. Workers putting finishing touches at Victoria Square
4. Giant banners promoting the Commonwealth Games on the buildings on Chamberlain Square