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Speeches were made at the front of the building before it was opened on Friday afternoon

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The centre's key was passed up a human chain on the final few yards to the front door

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Dame Shirley Bassey arrives for the opening ceremony, at which she was one of five Welsh stars honoured

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Ten years in the making, then the stage went up for the first time in the 1,900-seat theatre

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Singers Dame Shirley Bassey and Dame Gwyneth Jones, actress Sian Phillips, composer Alun Hoddinott and actor Richard Burton were honoured at Friday's event. Richard Burton's daughter Kate Burton (right) attended the concert.

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Bryn Terfel welcomed the audience to the centre, before he performed as part of the tribute to Dame Gwyneth Jones

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A free outdoor concert of music and lights took place on Saturday night

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The Queen, with WMC chairman Sir David Rowe-Beddoe, attended a gala ceremony on Sunday evening