Christchurch pectacular-opening-celebration-of-the-world-cup-this-year

The 2015 cricket World Cup was declared open here Thursday after a two-hour extravaganza featuring 1,000 performers, including past and present New Zealand cricketers and some of the country's top musicians.

There was a carnival atmosphere throughout the programme that began with four giant games of backyard cricket, played by 80 school children.

Huge crowds cheered the white-clad kids. The event also witnessed traditional Sri Lankan dancing, followed by a performances from Scottish bagpipers, and Bollywood and Irish dancers.