WorldSkills Kazan 2019 is officially underway after a spectacular opening ceremony this evening. 

Attended by more than 50,000 people and broadcast all over the world, it showcased the very best of what Russia has to offer. 

The opening ceremony officially kicked off the 45th international skills competition, which will see more than 1,300 young people battle to be crowned the best in the world at their chosen skill. 

Once each country’s competitors had marched around the arena, sides of a tent-like structure fell down to reveal dancers holding each country’s flag. They performed a song celebrating the world’s participation in WorldSkills.

Background: What is WorldSkills Kazan?

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During the show, a truck circled the stage, upon which stood chefs, who during the ceremony baked bread live.

It was followed by a musical performance in which each of the skills was personified - a heavy metal rocker sang about construction, a pink pop princess sang about beauty, and a sultry singer sang about her love of cooking.

The competition lasts for four days and over that time 37 young people from the UK will compete in a range of skills from cabinet making to chemical laboratory technology, and from mechatronics to beauty therapy. 

Overall, there will be 63 countries competing in 56 skills.