Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony: Everything you need to with performers, timings and key details
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will officially begin on Thursday with an opening ceremony at Glasgow’s Hydro Arena, launching 10 days of competition featuring more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories.
The ceremony will start at 20:00 WAT on 23 July, with the Parade of Nations expected to begin around 20:30 WAT as athletes enter the arena.
Unlike previous editions, Glasgow has chosen to stage the opening ceremony in an indoor arena rather than a stadium, with the 13,000-capacity Hydro hosting the event.
Competition will run from 24 July to 2 August, with 215 gold medals to be contested across 10 sports.
Who is performing?
Scottish musicians Tom Walker, KT Tunstall, Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Valtos, Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX will perform during the ceremony.
Organisers have also promised dance performances, visual displays and cultural celebrations alongside the traditional Parade of Nations.
Tom Walker, whose hit single Leave a Light On topped charts around the world, said he was honoured to perform at the ceremony.
“I’m absolutely honoured to be part of the Opening Ceremony for the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“I was born in Scotland and to be asked to perform on stage at the Hydro is always a ‘pinch yourself’ moment for me. I’m buzzing to be back in Glasgow.”
Sir Chris Hoy to feature
Six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy will also take part in the ceremony.
The Scot, who revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, described the occasion as a privilege.
“It is an absolute honour to attend the opening of Glasgow 2026 with the King and Queen,” Hoy said.
“A home Games is always a special occasion and I have so many wonderful memories from competing in the Commonwealth Games myself.
“I have no doubt the city of Glasgow will yet again be a superb host to what promises to be an exciting event.”
Batons and mascot
Each of the 74 participating nations and territories will bring its own customised ceremonial baton, reflecting its culture and identity.
The batons will be brought together during the ceremony, while the Glasgow 2026 mascot, Finnie, is also expected to feature prominently.
When does it start?
- Date: Thursday, 23 July
- Start time: 8pm WAT
- Athlete parade: Approximately 20:30 BST
- Venue: Hydro Arena, Glasgow
- Capacity: 13,000 spectators
How to watch
Broadcasters showing the opening ceremony include:
- Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
- Australia: Seven Network
- Canada: CBC and Radio-Canada
- India: SonyLIV and Doordarshan
- New Zealand: Sky
- Singapore: Mediacorp
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports, with highlights on Channel 5
Viewers in other countries can check local broadcast information through the official Commonwealth Games television listings.