THEY will be beamed to more than half-a-billion TV viewers across the world.

Each one will be watched by the Queen and a live audience of 38,000 spectators.

But people in Bolton are being asked not to watch the opening and closing ceremonies of next year's Commonwealth Games.

Instead they are being asked to take centre stage.

Games organisers need around 5,000 people to take part in the two showpiece ceremonies, in a bid to create outstanding sporting spectacles.

They will be staged in the new City of Manchester Stadium currently being constructed.

And organisers hope to put the dazzling Commonwealth Games display in Kuala Lumpur, and the Olympic spectaculars of Barcelona and Sydney to shame.

A spokesman said: "Manchester aims to be remembered in the same light.

"People who take part will remember them for the rest of their lives."

Rehearsals will begin next May and organisers are looking for all types of performers to attend open auditions in November and December this year.

Choreography will be arranged by Arlene Phillips, one of London West End's top choreographers.

The Commonwealth Games will run from July 25 to August 4, 2002 at locations across Manchester and Bolton.

It will be the biggest ever multi-sporting event to be held in Britain and many analysts believe its success would pave the way for the Olympics in this country.

Bolton will hold badminton at the state-of-the-art Bolton Arena and cycling at Rivington.

Merchandise will go on sale in the town in five weeks time.

For more details on signing up for the ceremonies, go to www.commonwealthgames.com.

Details will also be announced in the BEN nearer the time.