The Commonwealth Games kicks off on Thursday 28 July, and everyone is invited to enjoy the key moments for free at the Sandwell Festival Site at Sandwell Valley Showground in West Bromwich.

A live stream of the competition events will be showing on the big screen in the all-weather viewing area from 8am to 10pm. This includes the opening ceremony at 5pm on Thursday 28 July, and the closing ceremony at 5pm on Monday 8 August – all with extra live music and dance performances.

From 5pm on Saturday 30 July the best art and culture performances from the Shine a Light festival will be showcased, and from midday on Wednesday 3 August, Go Play Sandwell will be hosting a free play day with live theatre, cookery workshops, circus skills and more. There will also be free roadshows at other parks across Sandwell throughout the Commonwealth Games.

Councillor Laura Rollins, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said “The Commonwealth Games are a unique opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate not only the achievements of some of the best athletes from around the world, but also highlight the best of Sandwell arts, culture and skills. I would encourage everyone to attend.”

Tickets to events at the festival site are free, but some require booking online in advance. To find out more about how Birmingham 2022 will affect Sandwell, visit our Get set for the Games page.