Birmingham is gearing up to welcome the next instalment of the Commonwealth Games as the clock ticks down to July 28. The Games swaps the Gold Coast for the West Midlands as the time for the city to host the event edges nearer.
England will be looking to build on their second place in 2018 as hosts Australia took home a whopping 80 medals. Around 30,000 people will be in the Alexander Stadium for the opening ceremony at the end of July with a billion set to be tuning in around the world as athletes from around the world gather to write their own versions of history.
The opening ceremony will see Peaky Blinders' writer and creator, Steven Knight, lead the creative team has previously stated that he was keen to showcase West Midlands talent and diversity.
A 1,000-strong choir and the arrival of the Queen's Baton will also feature. Auditions for the opening ceremony started last summer with 1,700 people aged between 18 and 80 trying out for a place in the prestigious event.