The Red Arrows performed a flypast at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

Photo gallery

A total of 72 red, white and blue cars formed a Union Jack to celebrate the West Midlands' heritage in car manufacturing ©Getty Images
A total of 72 red, white and blue cars formed a Union Jack to celebrate the West Midlands' heritage in car manufacturing ©Getty Images
Prince Charles, second right, represented Queen Elizabeth II at the Opening Ceremony, joined by his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall ©Getty Images
Prince Charles, second right, represented Queen Elizabeth II at the Opening Ceremony, joined by his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall ©Getty Images
Edward Elgar was among the cultural greats celebrated in the form of giant puppets ©Getty Images
Edward Elgar was among the cultural greats celebrated in the form of giant puppets ©Getty Images
A bull, 10 metres high, was one of the main features of the Opening Ceremony, created using the machinery from industry and factories of Birmingham and the West Midlands ©Getty Images
A bull, 10 metres high, was one of the main features of the Opening Ceremony, created using the machinery from industry and factories of Birmingham and the West Midlands ©Getty Images
Female education activist Malala Yousafzai spoke at the Alexander Stadium, with her words inspiring part of the Opening Ceremony ©Getty Images
Female education activist Malala Yousafzai spoke at the Alexander Stadium, with her words inspiring part of the Opening Ceremony ©Getty Images
The Opening Ceremony was based around the characters Stella and the Dreamers, whose performance included extinguishing flames at a building representing the library in Birmingham ©Getty Images
The Opening Ceremony was based around the characters Stella and the Dreamers, whose performance included extinguishing flames at a building representing the library in Birmingham ©Getty Images
Australia were the first of the 72 nations to enter the Alexander Stadium during the Athletes Assembly, led by flagbearers Eddie Ockenden, left, and Rachael Grinham ©Getty Images
Australia were the first of the 72 nations to enter the Alexander Stadium during the Athletes Assembly, led by flagbearers Eddie Ockenden, left, and Rachael Grinham ©Getty Images
Birmingham-based band Duran Duran headlined the musical performances at the Opening Ceremony ©Getty Images
Birmingham-based band Duran Duran headlined the musical performances at the Opening Ceremony ©Getty Images
Around 4,500 athletes are due to take part at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which are due to run until August 8 ©Getty Images
Around 4,500 athletes are due to take part at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which are due to run until August 8 ©Getty Images