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Commonwealth Games: Alistair Brownlee leads 393-strong England team out at the opening ceremony on the Gold Coast

It was all beaches and bikinis during the ceremony that aimed to celebrate the history and culture of Australia as Charles, Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall watched on

ALISTAIR BROWNLEE had the England flag flying high as he led his country out at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on the Gold Coast.

A 393-strong team led by the double-Olympic gold medallist waved to those in attendance including the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at the 25,000-capacity Carrara Stadium.

Colourful opening ceremony gets the Commonwealth Games 2018 started on the Gold Coast in Australia
Alistair Brownlee was the flag bearer for England's 393-strong team at the Gold Coast
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Alistair Brownlee was the flag bearer for England's 393-strong team at the Gold CoastCredit: Getty Images - Getty
It was all beaches and bikinis for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games
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It was all beaches and bikinis for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth GamesCredit: Reuters

Four years on from the Glasgow games, it returns to Queensland with 71 nations set to compete for 275 gold medals in 19 sports across 12 days.

England claimed 58 gold medals four years ago but will be aiming for more with the likes of the Brownlee brothers and world record holder Adam Peaty competing in the 50 and 100m events in the pool.

Alistair heads into the triathlon as the reigning Olympic and Commonwealth champion, having beaten brother Jonny into silver in Glasgow.

And speaking of his pride carrying the flag, he said: "It's a massive honour to carry the flag for England at the Commonwealth Games.

The aim was to capture the culture and traditions of the Gold Coast... and that included a massive beach
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The aim was to capture the culture and traditions of the Gold Coast... and that included a massive beachCredit: Getty Images - Getty
England will be hoping for more than they five medals they won at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games
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England will be hoping for more than they five medals they won at the Glasgow Commonwealth GamesCredit: AP:Associated Press
The 4,000 volunteers put on quite a performance in Queensland
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The 4,000 volunteers put on quite a performance in QueenslandCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall watched on from the stands
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The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall watched on from the standsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"I can't imagine what it will feel like walking into the stadium with the cross of St George, alongside all the other Commonwealth nations.

"It is certainly going to be up there as one of the moments in my career that I will always remember."

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It is the fifth time the Commonwealth Games comes to Australia
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It is the fifth time the Commonwealth Games comes to AustraliaCredit: PA:Press Association
Wales embraced the beach life with their wacky shirts in the Carrara Stadium
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Wales embraced the beach life with their wacky shirts in the Carrara StadiumCredit: Reuters
Northern Ireland looked like they had just won the Masters in their Green Jackets
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 Northern Ireland looked like they had just won the Masters in their Green JacketsCredit: Reuters
Members of the Cameroon team made the most of their opportunity
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Members of the Cameroon team made the most of their opportunityCredit: AFP
The night sky on the Queens Coast was lit by fireworks to signal the start of the games
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The night sky on the Queens Coast was lit by fireworks to signal the start of the gamesCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The Smoking Ceremony performance, an ancient ritual, wowed the crowd
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The Smoking Ceremony performance, an ancient ritual, wowed the crowdCredit: PA:Press Association
The Games commence on Thursday and goes on until Sunday
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The Games commence on Thursday and goes on until SundayCredit: AP:Associated Press
An athlete from Trinidad and Tobago donned an eye-catching outfit in Queensland
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An athlete from Trinidad and Tobago donned an eye-catching outfit in QueenslandCredit: EPA
The Queen's Baton looks like a Dyson fan at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games opening ceremony 2018

Wales embraced the beach life by attire donning a bright multi-coloured shirt for their entrance into the stadium.

And it was all beaches and bikinis as 4,000 volunteers performed in the opening ceremony that aimed to celebrate the history and culture of Australia.

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall watched from the stands as a downpour threatened spoil the party.

Other acts included singers, a choir and a remarkable Smoking Ceremony performance - an ancient custom still used among Indigenous Australians.

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