Peaky Blinders writer from team creating Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony

Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight has been named in a team of six tasked with producing the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

Organizers have confirmed that a massive cast of 1,200 volunteers will take part in the ceremony on July 28 next year at the 30,000-capacity Alexander Stadium.

Birmingham-born theater director Iqbal Khan, novelist Maeve Clarke and rapper Joshua “RTKal” Holness were also named as part of the creative team in a statement released on Thursday.

The team was bought together by Birmingham 2022 creative director Martin Green, who also led the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies.

Mr Green said the opening ceremony would be a defining moment for Birmingham, the West Midlands and the UK, adding: “As we create these ceremonies, our intention is to use the new range of tools at our disposal.

“From CGI to special effects, the UK is a world leader in cutting edge broadcast technology.

“The core creative team assembled to envision the opening ceremony is drawn from a diverse range of disciplines, from theater to literature, TV to stage production; we had access to the best talent in the UK and the West Midlands to create this.

“This talent and these tools are nothing without a story, and this city and region are full of rich and diverse narratives to share with the world.

“Ten years, almost to the day, since the London 2012 opening ceremony, these Games in Birmingham represent a unique opportunity to create global advertising at a time of renewal as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic. “

Tickets will become available for the opening ceremony on September 8 and will start at £22 for adults and £8 for under 16s.