Take a look around the 2022 Commonwealth Games Megastore in Centenary Square with Denise Lewis

The official megastore for the Commonwealth games has opened in Centenary Square - representing another milestone as the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games get closer. Hundreds queued up to watch the opening - with athlete and TV presenter Denise Lewis.

The store offers a range of merchandise with over 400 lines available - including models of Perry, the 2022 Commonwealth Games official mascot.

Denise Lewis, Olympic Gold Medalist, says: ”The Commonwealth Games will bring the best of sporting talent from Commonwealth. But for Birmingham in particular, my feeling is that we want to celebrate the communities and everything that Birmingham has to offer in terms of it’s diverse nature, culture - it’s people. And everything that Birmingham has to offer. And I can’t wait for the opening ceremony, because that’s when we’ll get a real sense of what Birmingham is about - it’s history and what we’re really good at.”

Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, says: “There’s already a queue of people waiting to come into this store so it shows the excitement is now building. Only 29 days to go, 29 sleeps, before the opening ceremony and the Commonwealth Games here in Birmingham. The biggest event we’ve ever attempted to host. And we are going to demonstrate to the world what this city’s about, and what out people can achieve.”

As the clock counts down to the launch of the games on the 28th July, the opening of the megastore is a reminder of just how close we are. The games will bring people from across the world to the city, and has been a catalyst for many changes, attracting much investment and opportunities for commerce across the region.

And for the people of the city itself, the games themselves can be a source of pride, shining a spotlight on the culture, history and diversity of the city - making a name for itself on the global stage. As well as the many opportunities it presents for the the city, the games and the accompanying festival will also promises Brummies something to look forward to.

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