Opening Ceremony reaches its conclusion.Congratulations Azerbaijan
23:02
Balloons - pomegranate shaped ones - are appearing from everywhere.
23:00
All of this evening`s performers, nearly 2,000 of them, are gathering on stage for a joyous, celebratory end to proceedings. Holding hands, they`re dancing Yalli - the national dance of Azerbaijan.
22:57
THE WORLD`s NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS BEFORE!!!!!!! WHAT A STAGE AND PERFORMANCE!
22:54
The Flame is slowly being lit, billowing out across the stage in a sea of orange.
22:50
In all the excitement of the picture of the dignitories, probably should have mentioned that Baku 2015 has just been DECLARED OFFICIALLY OPEN !!!
22:44
Patrick Hickey stands alongside Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, as well as Mehriban Aliyeva, chair of Baku 2015 and First Lady of Azerbaijan, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Quite a line-up...
22:41
"Tonight, we add the missing fifth ring to the continental Games of the world. It is a historic day in the European Olympic Movement. Thank you Azerbaijan for your welcome to the Olympic family. It has been an exciting journey. Sport has a unique power to bring change. A universal law of sport. Ethics, fair play, respect and friendship. Six thousand athletes from 50 nations are here and close to something remarkable. You only have one chance to become the first ever European Games champion. I urge you to write your name forever into European sporting history." Patrick Hickey delivers his speech.
22:39
Next up is Patrick Hickey, mentioning dignitories including ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah and honorary IOC President, Jacques Rogge as well as "leaders from around the world".
22:37
"Athlete of these Games. Welcome to Baku. Welcome to Azerbaijan," she concludes, to a rapturous reception.
22:33
This spectacular ceremony is a victory for Azerbaijan. It is being written into the history of the European Olympic Movement. It is being written by us, by the people of Azerbaijan. Tonight we begin a new chapter. We are proud these Games are being held in Baku." First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva speaks a the Opening Ceremony.
22:30
Here comes the chair of the Baku 2015 Organising Committee, Mehriban Aliyeva, also the First Lady of Azerbaijan, alongside Patrick Hickey.22: 30
22:28
A video of CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is now being played on the stadium screens. For 60 years CERN has brought together nations in peace through science. These European Games are a new flame of international unity through sport.
22:24
The European Olympic Committees flag is being carried into the stadium by eight Olympic gold medal winners, including Azerbaijan`s freestyle wrestler Namig Abdullayev, Ireland`s lightweight boxer Katie Taylor and French judoka Lucie Décosse.
The official opening ceremony of the European Games, first on the continent, has kicked off in Baku June 12.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the European Games Mehriban Aliyeva, official representatives from various countries, including presidents and prime ministers, attend the ceremony.
The Baku 2015 European Games will last till June 28.
More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.
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