Gransnet forums

TV, radio, film, Arts

Commonwealth Games opening ceremony: what do we think?

(108 Posts)
Kate54 Thu 28-Jul-22 20:50:54

Perhaps you have to be there but the London Olympics opening ceremony it is not. Stella and the Dreamers? Dear oh dear. Quite liked the Union flag made of locally-made cars.

Kate1949 Fri 29-Jul-22 13:14:04

She looks good because she's rich.

Calendargirl Fri 29-Jul-22 13:01:48

RichmondPark1

I don't know Birmingham at all, but this has made me want to visit.
Loved Camilla's outfit. She seems to look more groomed and glamorous at ever event.

I think Camilla has a new stylist. She has looked ‘different’ lately. I have commented before if it’s her hair, losing a bit of weight, change of make up or even a bit of ‘work’.

Whatever it is, she looks good.

Franbern Fri 29-Jul-22 12:57:00

I am so very delighted and impressed with BBC. On BBC iplayer they are showing EVERY sport as they happen. So, there I am happily ensconced in my own armchair at home and able to watch ALL the opening rounds of Mens Artistic Gymnastics as they are happening. Never normally able to see these opening rounds which involves all gymnasts and teams.
Thank you so much BBC

Sueki44 Fri 29-Jul-22 12:24:47

I’m enjoying Jason Mohammed as a commentator/ presenter. He has a lovely voice and seems a genuinely nice man.

Daddima Fri 29-Jul-22 12:21:15

Ah yes, no ‘occasion since the Olympics in 2012’?
Nadine forgetting about Glasgow 2014.

MawtheMerrier Fri 29-Jul-22 12:06:44

From “Smooth Radio”
There are technically two versions of UB40 now performing.
The original UB40 - with Robin Campbell as lead singer - have the rights to the official UB40 name, and have continued to perform and release music together. Their most recent album was 2019's For the Many
Meanwhile, Ali Campbell has created his own splinter group alongside Mickey Virtue and Astro, called UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey - and they have since scored hit albums with 2016's Unplugged and 2018's A Real Labour of Love. .

Jane43 Fri 29-Jul-22 11:57:39

Riverwalk

Jane43

Riverwalk

I would have preferred UB40 to Duran Duran!

Great to see the multi-ethnic teams, especially England.

Which one? There are two different UB40s.

Whichever one has Ali Campbell - I love his voice.

I agree, Ali Campbell was always the voice of UB40 for me. It’s the old story of sibling rivalry, Ali wanted to do some solo work and Robin said he did it behind his back. After some nastiness on both sides Ali, Astro and other band members formed their own band, I think it’s called Ali Campbell’s UB40 and another Campbell brother joined Robin’s band which I think is still called UB40. There was a long legal battle but I don’t remember how it was resolved. Astro died recently and the brother in Robin’s band was recently replaced by a younger man. I believe both bands are still going.

Visgir1 Fri 29-Jul-22 11:30:28

Well done Birmingham, it was a joy to see all those happy people.
I was a Games Maker in 2012 Olympic and it was an life changing experience, I hope everyone involved benefits from this fantastic event.

Looking forward to seeing the Stars of the show in the Sporting events.

Congratulations Birmingham.

kittylester Fri 29-Jul-22 11:28:12

Thank you Maw, isn't it great!!

MawtheMerrier Fri 29-Jul-22 11:16:45

m.youtube.com/watch?v=aa5vPVEcg20&vidve=5727&autoplay=1

MerylStreep Fri 29-Jul-22 11:07:30

Can’t wait to see my great nephew. He’s in the Australian boxing team.

Riverwalk Fri 29-Jul-22 11:06:13

Jane43

Riverwalk

I would have preferred UB40 to Duran Duran!

Great to see the multi-ethnic teams, especially England.

Which one? There are two different UB40s.

Whichever one has Ali Campbell - I love his voice.

kittylester Fri 29-Jul-22 10:14:55

On a different note - I love UB40's latest single.

And I do love 'It's a Brum Ting'.

MawtheMerrier Fri 29-Jul-22 10:07:07

Jane43

Riverwalk

I would have preferred UB40 to Duran Duran!

Great to see the multi-ethnic teams, especially England.

Which one? There are two different UB40s.

Really, I didn’t know that.
Before they moved to their present house D and SIL were very proud that UB40 had recorded their first track in what became D’s kitchen!

Prentice Fri 29-Jul-22 09:51:32

It is all very colourful, which reflects the different Commonwealth countries very well.
The Union Jack flag made of cars was very clever, and the bull was magnificent.

Jane43 Fri 29-Jul-22 09:48:56

Riverwalk

I would have preferred UB40 to Duran Duran!

Great to see the multi-ethnic teams, especially England.

Which one? There are two different UB40s.

Riverwalk Fri 29-Jul-22 09:44:19

I would have preferred UB40 to Duran Duran!

Great to see the multi-ethnic teams, especially England.

Franbern Fri 29-Jul-22 09:36:38

Was a great evenings entertainment. Loved the Bull. Seeing athletes come in at any multi-sport event always makes me feel both tearful and excited. Looking forward to seeing the heart-ache, triumphs, etc over the next couple of weeks.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 29-Jul-22 09:31:59

I enjoyed the ceremony, I have a soft spot for Birmingham, I love the canals and all the eateries along them. (From a softy southerner)

henetha Fri 29-Jul-22 09:28:26

Joe Lycett is always a breath of fresh air to me too. And I was particularly pleased at Tom Daly's (who I have followed for years as we were both born in Plymouth) publicity for LGBT etc rights around the world. In many countries, including the commonwealth, there are none.

RichmondPark1 Fri 29-Jul-22 09:27:00

I don't know Birmingham at all, but this has made me want to visit.
Loved Camilla's outfit. She seems to look more groomed and glamorous at ever event.

mrswoo Fri 29-Jul-22 09:22:54

Proud to call myself a Brummie - (although exiled to the NE) as Maw says it's a brilliant city. I have to say though, I found the opening ceremony a bit preachy and lacking in warmth and humour, which is a pity as Brummies are wonderfully warm and witty.
I can only add that, for me, Joe Lycett was a breath of fresh air (opinions may vary).

Kate1949 Thu 28-Jul-22 22:40:09

Callistemon Us too from our DD's bedroom

monk08 Thu 28-Jul-22 22:38:21

Just watched fireworks from bedroom window brilliant.

Callistemon21 Thu 28-Jul-22 22:32:01

Kate1949 we used to hear it in our living room for years as it wafted down from DD's bedroom ?