LAST night marked the official opening of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man.

Athletes from 63 Commonwealth nations joined local spectators for an evening of entertainment as the games were officially declared open.

More than 250 performers, mostly local, took part in a special production which featured the Manx sea god Manannan, a Viking invasion and a carnival of the Commonwealth.

The show, put together by the company Walk the Plank, climaxed with a We are the World finale which featured all of the performers on the pitch at the same time and some spectacular special effects.

Also see: Spectacular ceremony a fantastic opening to games – with pictures

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