Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in pictures as Malala Yousafzai says 'every child deserves chance'

The Commonwealth's greatest sporting expertise has descended on Birmingham.

With the Video games set to start out on Friday and run till August 8, 6,500 athletes will compete in 280 medal occasions.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is government producer of the ceremony at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.

And Duran Duran will headline the musical performances.

Malala Yousafzai mentioned the younger athletes competing on the Video games are a reminder that “each little one deserves the prospect to succeed in her full potential and pursue her wildest desires”.

Beneath, GB Information brings you a choice of footage from Thursday's proceedings because the second metropolis comes collectively to rejoice:

Malala making her speech

HANNAH MCKAY

The Birmingham crowd responding to Malala

JASON CAIRNDUFF

Performers opening the Video games in Birmingham

HANNAH MCKAY

Prince Charles was in attendance

HANNAH MCKAY

The Video games will conclude on August 8

JASON CAIRNDUFF

A tribute to the Suffragettes

HANNAH MCKAY

Charles and Camilla in attendance

STOYAN NENOV

A raging bull featured throughout the opening ceremony

HANNAH MCKAY

England's parade throughout the ceremony

STOYAN NENOV

Fireworks lit up the Birmingham skyline

JASON CAIRNDUFF

Prince Charles addressing the Birmingham crowd

HANNAH MCKAY

Duran Duran carried out on the ceremony

JASON CAIRNDUFF

The raging bull was a distinguished function throughout the ceremony

HANNAH MCKAY