Spectacular ceremony closes Birmingham Commonwealth Games
11 days of sporting action came to a close
Last updated 9th Aug 2022
Rock music legend Ozzy Osbourne made a surprise appearance in his home city of Birmingham to close out the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Aston-born musician was joined by members of his band Black Sabbath, for the explosive performance, which brought the closing ceremony to an end
Fireworks were set off and crowds cheered as they launched into their hit song Paranoid.
"Come on, let's go crazy," 73-year-old Osbourne told crowds, as the band played the famous chords to Iron Man.
Wrapping up the short performance, he added:
"Thank you, good night, you are the best, God bless you all - Birmingham forever."
Earlier in the ceremony, notorious fictional crime gang the Peaky Blinders took centre stage as part of a celebration of the musical heritage of the West Midlands.
The international competition came to an end on Monday night after 11 days of sporting action.
The ceremony, held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, saw performances from artists including UB40, Beverley Knight, Dexys Midnight Runners, Goldie, The Selecter and Jorja Smith.
Mercury Prize-nominee Laura Mvula, also gave a special performance of a newly commissioned track inspired by Nick Cave's Red Right Hand, the theme song to Peaky Blinders.
The track featured a sequence from the much-anticipated theatre show Peaky Blinders: The Redemption Of Thomas Shelby.
Written and adapted for the stage by the show's creator Steven Knight, the production will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome on September 27 as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
2022 has seen the most successful Commonwealth Games ever for the home nations, with a combined total of 275 medals, including 85 golds.
England led the way with 57 golds, behind only Australia in the medal table, and 176 in total, while Northern Ireland set national records and Scotland and Wales also thrived.
The Duke of Wessex officially closed the ceremony, saying:
"Every four years, we endeavour to come together to celebrate our Commonwealth through sport.
"Thanks to the manner, style and enthusiasm with which you have competed, officiated, supported, organised and volunteered, you have, once again, brought the spirit and values of the Commonwealth to life.
"You have inspired us and hopefully future generations. You have also demonstrated what unites us. Thank you, Birmingham."
1) Spectacular opening ceremony
Duran Duran, who are from Birmingham, kicked off the games with a fantastic opening ceremony. Nobel peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai delivered a speech and Prince Charles arrived in an eco-friendly vintage Aston Marin powered by wine and cheese.
2) The Para-games was fully integrated
The Birmingham 2022 Games was the first time Para-games were integrated fully with the games. Para-games spectators did not need to attend different venues with a number of Para events being featured in daily programmes.
3) Buzzer beater secures gold for England
England won their first ever gold in men's 3x3 basketball with a last second shot by Myles Hesson resulting in a 17-16 win over Australia.
4) Games inspired kids to take up sports
This year's games had more medals for women then men for the first time. The Duchess of Cambridge revealed Princess Charlotte, who attended the games, wants to take up sports and win a gold medal.
5) Katarina Johnson-Thompson wins again
Katarina Johnson-Thompson returned from injury to win gold in the heptathlon. Thompson repeated her winning performance from the 2018 Gold Coast Games despite, having suffered a number of serious injuries over the last three years.
6) England’s most successful gymnast
Jake Jarman sets the record for the most successful gymnast at a single game. The 20-year-old Jarman won four gold medals.
7) 10 years after winning gold in London 2012, Laura Kenny wins gold at same venue
Laura Kenny won the women's cycling 10km scratch race. Kenny completed the feet at London's Lee Valley Velo Park, the site of her Olympic gold medal, ten years ago at the London 2012 Games.
8) Chris Murray lifts 325kg to win gold
Chris Murray won gold for England in the men's 81kg weight lifting division. Lifting a combined weight of 325kg, Murray said "I can't sum it up. I'll be in my room tonight still not being able to put it into words. It's incredible".
9) The Raging Bull
Birmingham fell in love with another bull. The Raging Bull which featured in the opening ceremony wowed the crowed and now it will remain at Centenary Square in Birmingham until the end of September.
10) The Closing Ceremony
11 days of sporting action were brought to an end with a spectacular closing ceremony. Multiple music acts from the West Midlands performed, including a surprise appearance by Ozzy Osbourne and members of Black Sabbath to close the show.
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