Jack Morton expects a global television audience of about one billion viewers.
"Our challenge is to create an event that is uniquely Manchester but reflects the diversity of the UK and the Commonwealth communities around the world,
said Jack Morton Worldwide chairman Lois Jacobs. "We are fortunate because Manchester is the centre of the modern multicultural UK so our initial inspiration has come from there."
The project's artistic director David Zolkwer said: "The ceremonies will project Manchester's personality traits of style, edge, humour and wit," he said.
Previous Jack Morton projects include the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Paralympics.
- Avesco Group has signed up to be sole AV supplier to the Commonwealth Games and as Event went to press Owen Brown was expected to sign a contract to provide temporary structures.