'A love letter to Brum': Spectacular Ceremony opens Birmingham Commonwealth Games

It was a special night in Birmingham as the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony wowed 30,000 people in attendance, and over a billion people around the world.

Fireworks, a music set from the city's own Duran Duran and a 10-metre high bull greeted a sell-out crowd at the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr on Thursday evening.

Prince Charles opened the event on behalf of the Queen, saying the Commonwealth Games "reminds us of our connection with one another... as a family of nations"

He'd earlier arrived at the ceremony with the Duchess of Cornwall in an Aston Martin, which had a number plate in tribute to his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Here's some of the best bits from the ceremony.

Mechanical bull steals the show

The bull became a key part of the ceremony, initially raging, but then calmed by some of the performers in the Alexander Stadium.

For the families of Birmingham pub bombings victims its introduction proved a moving moment as their names were displayed on its head.

Local dancers showcased

An impromptu dance off broke out, showing how Birmingham is a multi-cultural city.

Performances also reflected the industrial revolution.

There were over 250 rehearsals for this opening ceremony and more than 1500 people were involved.

A special Union Jack

A collection of cars, some drive by their actual owners came together to create the Union Jack in the middle of the stadium, before the national anthem.

Malala's Speech

The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate arrived into the stadium with big cheers, and spoke about Birmingham inspiring women and her family.

Team parade

72 nations are competing at these games and all the athletes got the chance to showcase their country during the parade

The biggest cheers were saved for last though, as the England team received a huge welcome to the Alexander stadium.

The team was led in by flagbearers Emily Campbell and Jack Laugher.

Baton Relay comes to an end

We saw the final stages of the Baton Relay, which gave the opportunity to raise awareness of some key issues.

One of the most powerful moments was when Olympic champion Tom Daley ran in front of LGBT flags, representing the 35 countries who are competing in the games, where homosexuality is still illegal.

The baton eventually made it's way to Denise Lewis who handed it over to Dame Louise Martin for Prince Charles to read out a message from Queen, and open the games.

Closing spectacular

30,000 lights were lit up before Duran Duran came to the stage to close the show.

Fireworks starting going off not just at the stadium, but around different landmarks in Birmingham, including Victoria Square and the Library.

Attention will now turn to the competition, which 11 days of sport about to get underway

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