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On July 28 Royal Mail will issue a set of eight stamps to celebrate the Commonwealth Games, hosted this year by Birmingham and the West Midlands.

The four-yearly festival of sports and culture takes place from July 28 to August 8, with 72 nations and territories coming together to compete in 280 medal events in 19 sports and eight para sports.

This is the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games, which were inaugurated in 1930 as the British Empire Games.

Great Britain previously issued stamps for the Games in Cardiff in 1958, Edinburgh in 1970 and 1986, Manchester in 2002 and Glasgow in 2014.

Designed by Interabang, from illustrations by Charis Tsevis, the stamps show a selection of the sporting disciplines included. All the designs also feature the new logo of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Printed in litho by Cartor Security Printers, they are available in se-tenant strips of four.

1st class SYNCHRONISED DIVING
Divers from across the Commonwealth will demonstrate their poise and precision at Sandwell Aquatics Centre, in 12 events ranging in height from the 1m springboard to the 10m platform.

1st class BOXING
Boxers will show their strength and stamina in 16 categories at the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull, from men’s flyweight to super heavyweight and women’s minimum weight to middleweight.

1st class PARA TABLE TENNIS
Also hosted by the NEC is the high-intensity game of table tennis, with 11 events, comprising three men’s, three women’s, mixed doubles and four para categories.

1st class PARA POWERLIFTING
Besides the 16 weightlifting events at the NEC, there are four para powerlifting categories, providing a demanding test of upper-body strength and mental resolve.

£1.85 GYMNASTICS
Synonymous with grace and style, the artistic gymnastics schedule at Arena Birmingham comprises eight men’s events and six women’s events, including team and individual all-round competitions. Rhythmic gymnastics add a further six.

£1.85 MOUNTAIN BIKING
A challenging off-road course in Cannock Chase forest awaits the competitiors in the two mountain biking events, testing endurance and balance as well as bravery.

£1.85 ATHLETICS
The track and field athletics programme at the newly renovated Alexander Stadium in Birmingham comprises 58 medal events and a fully integrated para sport programme, showcasing speed, strength, agility and endurance.

£1.85 WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Making its debut appearance at the Commonwealth Games is 3x3 (three-a-side) basketball, a fast-paced format of the game showcased at a temporary stadium at Smithfield. The four events are for men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS
The presentation pack has information about the sports, the venues and the Queen’s Baton Relay, and the packaging includes the official Birmingham 2022 hologram.

PRICES
Set of 8 stamps £11.20
Presentation pack £12.10
Stamp cards £3.60
First day cover £14.10
Coin covers from £17.50

VERDICT
COMMEMORATIVE WORTH 4/5
The Commonwealth Games reliably get a stamp issue when held in Britain

QUALITY OF DESIGN 4/5
Colourful and vibrant, the illustrations do a fine job of bringing competitive sport to life

WOW FACTOR 3/5
Although the stamps would look good on your mail, sadly the event passes many people by