A taste of the Scottish Highlands came to Glasgow as the 2026 Commonwealth Games launched with a powerful ceremony at the city’s Hydro.
And it was an emotional night as Sir Chris Hoy helped launch the much anticipated event at the OVO Hydro in front of a global audience. Earlier, during the pre-show, unicorn mascot Finnie entertained the crowd and Scottish wrestler Grado made an appearance in a teacake costume, a nod to the Glasgow 2014 opening ceremony.
Outside before the ceremony it was a true spectacle as athletes and volunteers from participating countries of the Commonwealth gathered in their national dress. Team Scotland looked resplendent in their tartan designed by local designer Siobhan Mackenzie while Team England were accompanied by dressed as a Knight of The Crusade in his St George’s cross.
The festivities featured a vibrant line up of Scottish and international performers alongside 600 volunteers. Among the acts helping to launch the Games were singer songwriters Tom Walker and KT Tunstall, alongside Nathan Evans, Nina Nesbitt, and Callum Beattie.
King Charles and Queen Camilla held a pre-ceremony party ahead of the big occasion and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, First Minister John Swinney were also in attendance. Those backstage also included Scots comedian Fred MacAuley and Gavin Mitchell.
In an arena with a capacity of 13,000 people decked with heather and brambles reminiscent of the Scottish landscape, Sir Chris, a six time Olympic champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer two years ago, spoke movingly about the honour of being involved.
View 6 ImagesSir Chris Hoy is hosting the ceremony(Image: Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)
He described the opportunity to witness the Games opening in his home country as a deeply special moment, one made even more poignant by his illness.
In a video Sir Chris also shared a laugh with Gary Tank Commander star Greg McHugh. It was a comedic opening as the pair attempted to get from the city’s Royal Exchange Square to Balmoral via Tardis and with the aid of Doctor Who star Sylvester McCoy.
“Next stop, Glasgow” they announced as they successfully manoeuvred the blue phone box into the Hydro and the arena erupted into cheers as King Charles and Queen Camilla emerged for the official opening.
Some viewers were surprised as Scottish First Minister John Swinney sang the British national anthem, God Save The King. Others complained that Channel 5 was showing adverts during the opening ceremony meaning they couldn’t see all the athletes.
View 6 ImagesThe stage was set for the 74 nations to make their entrance(Image: Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)
There was hardly a dry eye in the arena as Sir Chris reflected on the significance of seeing the Commonwealth come together in Glasgow, with the city having stepped in after rising costs made it impossible for Victoria, Australia, to host the event.
Around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories are expected to compete over the 10-day programme, with events taking place across four main venues: the OVO Hydro, Emirates Arena, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, and Scotstoun Stadium.
Inside the Hydro, the big screen showed a Scottish landscape as leaves blew across the landscape as the athletes were welcomed into the arena and the audience clapped along to the jaunty music of Valtos accompanied by rapper Bemz.
Botswana kicked off the countries being led in with their national flag on display while a digital floral arrangement spelled out their name on the big screen. Para athletes joined in as Ghana swerved in and out of the arena led by a man on a handbike.
After the African territories were announced, then came the Americas in a sea of blue. The Falkland Islands got a massive cheers as they waved their flag in the arena.
St Lucia brought the house down as only one athlete appeared led by their flag. Soon after it was Asian countries and they were then followed by Oceania, with Australia bringing a huge number of athletes looking resplendent in green and white – a stark contrast to St Lucia’s single star.
View 6 ImagesAthletes from 74 nations will enter the Hydro, passing the saltire-shaped monumental garden(Image: Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)
The Australians almost filled the circular stage in its entirety, snaking around saltire-shaped monumental garden at the centre of the arena. The grassy display is inspired by Glasgow’s Garden Festival, which paved the way for the city’s journey as a major event host. Spanning more than 200sqm and packed with 2,400 stunning plants, this giant installation is the first thing the audience and arriving athletes will see as they enter the arena.
The design, by Amalie White in collaboration with plantsman Jamie Butterworth, champions the philosophy of ‘letting nature in’, beautifully blurring the lines between careful cultivation and rugged Scottish wilderness. Thousands of resilient thistles, ornamental grasses, and perennials are imaginatively planted on modular mobile trays across this 15-metre-wide movable landscape, creating a cohesive, wild palette.
This garden is more than just a breathtaking image; it is intended as a powerful, grounding welcome, linking the global audience to the natural beauty of Scotland and evoking its untamed wilderness of lochs, hills, and moorland.
The core message is one of togetherness, connecting a diverse community of 74 nations and territories to nature and the wider planet. Each nation’s baton is placed in the soil as the athletes enter the arena.
View 6 ImagesTeam Scotland led by Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall and Sarah Adlington(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Kiribati only had one athlete too and got a huge cheers as he came on stage. Samoan athletes performed a ceremonial dance as they took to the stage, much to everyone’s delight.
Once it moved onto the Europeans, England got a huge round of applause in the auditorium and a warm welcome from the Scots crowd as they waved their flags proudly.
But the biggest roar or the night inevitably came when Scotland arrived in full splendour and a standing ovation followed from the enamoured audience. Team Scotland even showed off some Highland dance moves.
View 6 ImagesTeam Scotland wave to the crowd(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Sam Heughan then appeared as the Loch Ness Monster splashed around in the background on the big screen. An animatronic monster head then appeared as Sam beckoned to him and the two made their acquaintance.
Then a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland played by a piper on the upper tier of the arena brought everyone to a chorus.
Central Station was the centrepiece of the action for the next act Meet Me Under The Clock which saw local commuters and workers join under the big clock alongside Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX who performed a rousing rendition of Home.
Then it was into Workshop Of The World – a celebration of Glasgow’s craft and Clydebuilt spirit with dancers round a giant loom weaving a cloth with the words People Make Glasgow.
A tribute to Glasgow’s beloved mural trail came next under the title of City Of Imagination. A new rhythm welcomed elements of our Dear Green Place, our neighbours, and celebrated our differences.
It was a powerful message of harmony before singer Callum Beattie took things upbeat with a high energy tartan-infused rendition Yes Sir I Can Boogie.
And the arena turned into a giant nightclub for a nighttime-inspired section, with a nod to the iconic Sub Club, while the Central clock turned into a giant disco ball and audience members waved their arms in the air. Pipers even joined in for the chorus.
President of Commonwealth Sport Dr Donald Rukare paid a tribute to the ‘Bravehearts of Glasgow’ for hosting the Commonwealth Games 2026. He told the crowd: “Tonight it is my honour to welcome you to the beautiful city of Glasgow.”
He also referenced the legacy of Glasgow 2014 and how we welcomed people with warm hearts and open arms. And he proudly showed off his kilt in the Wallace tartan.
Chair George Black CBE promised we would see Glasgow deliver, and experience the energy and spirit that makes the city special over the next ten days.
Speaking of the friendliest city and friendliest nation he added: “Glasgow didn’t ask can we? We asked ‘When can we get started?’ We roll up our sleeves and together we make extraordinary things happen. These games will embody that.”
Nina Nesbitt wore a long flowing dress to sing a gentle version of The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles with the Madre Girls and the crowd couldn’t resist joining in as the King’s Baton arrived.
King Charles then told the crowd: “On Commonwealth Day last year I placed this message into this baton across this nation. Seeing the batons arriving into Scotland today carried by athletes and para athletes reminded me once again the commonwealth is unique.”
King Charles also talked about building a harmonious future for the planet and the establishment of marine reserves to restore marine systems.”
His Majesty also extended his warmest gratitude to the city of Glasgow, athletes, volunteers and those who have made this possible. He added: “It is now my greatest pleasure to declare the 23rd Commonwealth Games open.”
Tom Walker then performed a solo spot surrounded by light with his hit song Leave A Light On, with KT Tunstall following on with a rendition of Black Horse and the Cherry Tree against a backdrop of Glasgow drawings, and she even incorporated a chorus of ‘No Scotland, No Party’.
KT, who wore a black dress adorned with a long tail like veil on the back, then sang Suddenly I See as she was joined by a host of dancers as she played her red guitar.
Then it was back to Nathan Evans Home and the finale with a giant tea cake emerging like a UFO from the sky and silver clad dancing unicorns.
Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games are now here, the party starts now so let the games begin.
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