by Lucy Ashton
Organisers of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have announced the city’s OVO Hydro venue is to host an ‘unforgettable’ opening ceremony.
The showpiece event in July – which is being designed by a team of ‘incredible female creatives’ – will be the first in Games history to be staged in an indoor arena.
The last time the Games were held in Glasgow, the opening ceremony took place at Celtic Park in front of an audience of 40,000, with the 2014 extravaganza famously featuring icons of Scottishness including dozens of Scottish terriers, dancing Tunnock’s Teacakes and a giant kilt.
It is being brought to life by a group of Glasgow-based creatives. Roxana Cole is joining as show and staging director, while choreography will be overseen by Emily Jane Boyle, with Carole Millar in charge of costume design.
Louisa Mahon, chief marketing officer at Glasgow 2026, said both the city and Scotland are ‘bursting with’ creativity.
She added: ‘We’re working with some incredible female creatives to build a ceremony that’s bold, unmistakably Glasgow, and unlike anything the Commonwealth Games has produced before.’
Former Celtic chief executive Dominic McKay, boss of the SEC campus, which encompasses the Hydro venue, said: ‘We are ready to lift the curtain and raise the roof on an event which will inspire and capture the imagination of millions.’
In order to stage the ceremony they require: ‘Cast members, representatives from cultural community groups and athlete volunteer marshals to step into the spotlight in a world-class venue and take part in live and pre-recorded moments of the show.
‘Roles range from symbolic community moments and welcoming the athletes, to high-energy dance numbers, scripted performances, storytelling and so much more. Passionate people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to showcase the city’s local communities and cultures.’
Among those sought are dancers of all types, including ‘culturally specific’ styles, while people without any specific skill set are also urged to come forward.
However, the state of Victoria pulled out in 2023 due to the cost of hosting the event. Glasgow then stepped in, offering to run a slimmed-down version of the Games that would not require any public funds.
Glasgow 2026 takes place from July 23 to August 2. For the first time in 72 years the BBC will not be showing the Games, with pay-per-view network TNT Sports securing the broadcasting rights.
Top of page: Eilish McColgan’s 10,000m gold was an iconic moment for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (photo by Bobby Gavin)