With the stars of the cricketing world soon to take centre stage for the opening games of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, Thursday night presented the chance for performers of the musical and cultural kind to shine, as the event’s Opening Ceremony exploded across Melbourne and Christchurch in spectacular stage shows.

We’ve highlighted a selection of awesome photographs taken from the Melbourne side of the ceremony, which featured everything from British ballet dancers, giant flags, fireworks … and even a leprechaun. Enjoy!