Things you need to know about the 2015 World Cup opening ceremony

Richard Hadlee will be a part of the opening ceremony in Christchurch

The 2015 Cricket World Cup is almost upon us with co-hosts New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka in the first encounter at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday. Prior to that though, the 14 participating teams will assemble at the North Hagley Park in Christchurch on Thursday for the opening ceremony, which is expected to be a grand affair.

Hadlee, Fleming, McCullum to feature

One of the greatest all-rounders to play the game, Sir Richard Hadlee will make an appearance with former captain Stephen Fleming and present skipper Brendon McCullum joining him.

The main ceremony will kick-off at 9:00pm local time with a cultural welcome that will be produced in association with Ngai Tahu. That will be followed by a live stage show that will feature a special video appearance by all-time greats from New Zealand sport to showcase their wonderful history.

After that, there will be a series of ceremonial speeches, after which, the tournament will be declared open. A live music show featuring the Christchurch-based band Shapeshifters, a live drum and bass act by Sol3 Mio, Hayley Westenra and Ginny Blackmore, will follow once the competition is declared open.

The ceremony will be concluded with a lavish fireworks display.

Another ceremony at Melbourne

There will be another opening ceremony at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Linlithgow Ave which will also include a spree of musical performances along with a fireworks display.

The crowd will be treated to performances from Jessica Hild Mauboy, Tina Arena, Nathaniel and Daryl Brathwaite. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with musical director Chong Lim will also perform at the ceremony.

Here’s a photo of the crowd assembling at the North Hagley Park:

Good crowd gathered at North Hagley Park for the @cricketworldcup opening ceremony here in #Christchurch #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/zDYBIucR2H

— Jamie Alter (@jamie_alter) February 12, 2015