Commonwealth Games 2022: Birmingham bids adieu with colourful ceremony

It was a carnivalesque atmosphere at the Alexander Stadium as the spectacular closing ceremony of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games (CWG)  brought the curtains down on the high-octane edition of the Games. A musical evening of Bhangra and a performance from ‘Apache Indian’ followed by amazing fireworks officially marked the end of the Birmingham Games. As per tradition, the flag of the Commonwealth Games Federation was lowered and handed over to the state of Victoria, Australia, the host of the next edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

From the beats of Bhangra to the power-packed performance of ‘Apache Indian’ the dazzling closing ceremony brought the curtains down on the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Credit: AP Photo

As per the tradition, the flag of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was lowered to officially mark the end of the Birmingham Games and handed over to the state of Victoria, Australia, the host of the next edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2026. Credit: Reuters Photo

Prince Edward

Brit singer 'Apache Indian' delivered a power-packed performance, belting out chartbusters 'Boom Shack-A-Lak’, ‘Pass the Dutchie’ and ‘Red Red Wine' to celebrate the sound system culture of the city. Credit: AP Photo

Model-cum-activist Neelam Gill was driven in a yellow MG while Punjabi MC played out ‘Mundiyan To Bach Ke’ to a packed stadium, celebrating Birmingham ‘daytimers’ culture -- the 80s and 90s cultural phenomenon. Credit: PTI Photo

There were 20 musical performances, which included that of legends Goldie and Beverley Knight collaborating on the iconic ‘Inner City Life’ in a tribute to Wolverhampton’s pioneering role in rave culture and 80s' street art. Credit: AP Photo

British singer Ozzy Osbourne performs during the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Credit: AFP Photo

Transgender British model Talulah Eve paid homage to the new romantic era and Birmingham queer culture, while current Birmingham superstars Raza Hussain, Mahalia, Jaykae and Ash gave a performance “Looking to the future

The musical show was followed by farewell speeches by president of the Commonwealth Games Federation Dame Louise Martin and Birmingham 2022 CEO Martin Green among others. Credit: AP Photo

Fireworks erupt over the Alexander Stadium during the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Credit: Reuters Photo

The flag bearers of the participating countries hold the national flags of their respective countries during the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG), at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Credit: PTI Photo