Ozzy Osbourne signs off Commonwealth Games in style in eclectic closing ceremony

The 2022 Commonwealth Games have officially finished with a spectacular closing ceremony taking place at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.

This was the biggest games in history with over 5000 athletes from 72 nations competing across 20 different sports.

Birmingham have done a fine job as only the third English host of the Commonwealth Games, especially considering they were a late-ish replacement for original hosts Durban after the South African city was forced to pull out due to financial issues.

According to creative duo Amber Rimell and Bronski – aka Tawbox – Monday evening’s ceremony was designed to ‘celebrate the people, culture, and the sound of Birmingham, through the medium of musical performances and choreography.’

They added: ‘The show captures a poignant moment that reflects on Birmingham’s rich and diverse culture that makes this city so unique.

‘Pre-set in 1950s post-war Birmingham, the show consists of real stories from real people who together made this city the thriving post-industrial heart of the UK.’

The dramatic show – which will have drawn plenty of comparisons with the London 2012 opening ceremony – was accompanied by some of Birmingham and the Midlands’ best music exports, from Dexys Midnight Runners to UB40, while there was even a nod to Peaky Blinders.

The Earl of Wessex paid tribute to Birmingham for showcasing ‘the spirit and values of the Commonwealth’, while a special guest appearance at the Alexander Stadium was teased throughout the evening and did not disappoint.

In an explosion of fireworks and pyrotechnics, Birmingham’s very own Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, emerged from the smoke to blast out a collection of his biggest hits before bringing the Commonwealth Games to a close with a cry of,