An estimated 1.5 billion people across the globe were estimated to have watched the opening Commonwealth Games ceremony on Wednesday evening.

And David Zolkwer, the Jewish head of ceremonies, did not disappoint with a show-stopping singing and dancing spectacle, the brainchild of Mr Zolkwer, from Manchester.

Mr Zolkwer, who grew up in an Orthodox family, was well qualified for the job. The 50-year-old, who studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, has overseen opening ceremonies for South Africa's 2010 World Cup, the Athens Olympic Games in 2004, Beijing 2008 and the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

He was also artistic director of the Hong Kong handover and farewell ceremonies in 1997.

More than 4,500 people from 71 nations will compete at the ten day-long Commonwealth Games event, manned by 3,000 volunteers.