By Emmanuel Christian Thorli
The Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony is set to spotlight huge Scottish talent when Glasgow welcomes the world for the Commonwealth Games as the music acts taking centre stage at the iconic Hydro arena on 23 July are revealed.
In just two weeks, the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony will officially kick off 10 days of world-class sporting celebration, welcoming the world to Glasgow through a creative kaleidoscope and Clyde-built journey packed full of music, humour and Scottish surprise.
The Ceremony will have Glasgow at the heart of the story with performances from global superstars, emerging talent and a cast of 600 volunteers from across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.
Singer songwriter KT Tunstall, who is currently on a world tour, will return to Scotland to headline with Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony, performing her much loved hits in one of the world’s best live entertainment venues.
Hot off the heels of their World Cup anthem, Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX will bring their anthemic sounds and Tartan Army spirit to a home crowd as the cast start to tell the story of the city.
They’ll be joined by homegrown hero, singer songwriter Callum Beattie who is no stranger to the venue having sold out a Hydro headline show this year and Nina Nesbitt, famed for her storytelling through music, will perform a reimagined version of a much-loved Scottish track.
Electronic-trad band Valtos, one of Scotland’s most exciting live acts, have teamed up with a number of different musicians from across the Commonwealth to soundtrack the ceremonial Parade of Nations. The Skye band’s signature sound, blending traditional Scottish and electronic music, will fill the arena when athletes and teams from the 74 nations and territories step out and present their Baton.
Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing and Ceremonies Officer at Glasgow 2026, said: “Glasgow doesn’t do things in half measures – we sing louder, dance harder and are known for throwing our doors open wider than anywhere else. On 23 July, we will share that spirit with 74 nations from across the Commonwealth in this beautifully curated ceremony.