Commonwealth Games opening ceremony: Nina Kennedy leads Australia as Glasgow launches 2026 Games
King Charles officially opened the Commonwealth Games as Glasgow delivered a spectacular ceremony packed with bagpipes, Nessie and Australia’s biggest stars.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially got underway in Glasgow after a colourful Opening Ceremony inside the OVO Hydro celebrated Scotland’s culture, history and sporting legacy.
Olympic pole vault champion Nina Kennedy and para-swimmer Tim Hodge led Australia’s team into the arena as organisers broke tradition by staging the Commonwealth Games’ first indoor Opening Ceremony, with athletes taking part in the Parade of Nations before the night’s performances began.
Australia marches into Glasgow
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Kennedy led a team of around 100 Australian athletes into the arena, while swimmers, gymnasts and several cyclists were absent as they prepare to compete later in the Games.
After entering the arena, Hodge handed Australia’s baton to the ceremonial “baton gardener”, where it was planted alongside those of the other competing nations.
Scotland puts on a show
The ceremony featured more than 600 volunteers celebrating Glasgow and Scotland.
Headline performer KT Tunstall was joined by Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX, while electronic duo Valtos performed during the Parade of Nations.
New-look ceremony breaks with tradition
This year’s ceremony marked several firsts.
For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, the Opening Ceremony was held entirely indoors at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.
Athletes also entered the arena at the beginning of the ceremony rather than at the end, with nations marching by region through a spectacular garden-themed stage inspired by Scotland’s famous landscapes.
Nessie steals the spotlight
One of the night’s biggest crowd-pleasers came when Scottish actor Sam Heughan welcomed the mythical Loch Ness Monster to the stage.
As Flower of Scotland echoed through the arena accompanied by massed bagpipes, spectators rose to their feet in one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments.
Powerful message opens the Games
Commonwealth Sport president Dr Donald Rukare delivered a powerful address praising Glasgow for stepping in to host the Games.
“Your majesties, your Royal Highnesses, Prime Minister, Lord Provost, distinguished guests, friends watching across the Commonwealth and, most importantly, our athletes.
“Tonight it is my great honour to welcome you to the beautiful city of Glasgow. It is good to be back.
“These, your majesties, are reimagined games that have been made possible by the extraordinary legacy of 2014 and by a city that once again welcomes us with warm hearts and open arms.
“I would hope you would indulge me as I wear this beautiful tartan (kilt) reimagined in the colours of my home country, Uganda.
“I would like to say in tribute to the brave hearts of Glasgow and Scotland who stepped forward to host these games, thank you for everything you have done to bring us here.
“For the next 11 days, 74 nations and territories, thousands of athletes and supporters and countless cultures and stories come together united by one simple idea.
“The idea that sport has the power to bring people together in a world that often sometimes feels divided, and that matters more than ever.
“Tonight every flag here is equal, every athlete carries the hopes of their nation, every volunteer, every official, every supporter becomes part of something bigger than themselves.
“This is what Commonwealth sport is about. Not just about competition, but connection. Not only medals but moments that will truly last a lifetime.”
King Charles declares the Games open
King Charles III officially declared the 2026 Commonwealth Games open, using his address to champion the power of sport while urging Commonwealth nations to help tackle plastic pollution.
Reflecting on the 500-day baton relay that travelled across the Commonwealth before arriving in Glasgow, the King described the organisation as “a unique and extraordinary family of nations” and praised the athletes for inspiring people around the world.
“For these Games, the relay has carried another message: to help remove the plastic pollution that harms our oceans and waterways and can impact on human health,” he said.
He said protecting the world’s oceans was vital for communities, businesses and global food supplies, calling on nations to continue efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems.
“As we share our love of sport and our planet, let us build a harmonious and durable future for our families and each other,” the King said.
He then officially opened the Games, declaring: “It is now my great pleasure to declare the 23rd Commonwealth Games open.”
What’s next?
Competition begins immediately, with Australia’s swimmers, cyclists and gymnasts among the first athletes in action as the medal chase gets underway.
