Q: What will the Opening Ceremony involve?
A: We are not sharing details of the ceremony's creative content at this stage. What we can say is that it will be bold, it will be unmistakably Glasgow, and it will be unlike anything the Commonwealth Games has produced before. We look forward to sharing more with audiences in the coming months
Q: Who is responsible for the creative direction of the Ceremony?
A: The Ceremony is a Clyde-built experience for the world, with the story of the city at its heart. It’s being designed and delivered by renowned Glasgow-based creatives, led by Louisa Mahon, Glasgow 2026’s overall creative lead for Ceremonies.
Roxana Cole joins as show and staging director, whilst choreography will be overseen by Emily-Jane Boyle and costume design by Carole Millar.
Q: When will more details about the Ceremony be announced?
A: One of the most magic things about Ceremonies is the element of surprise. We’re working hard to create something incredible, that will set the tone for the 10 days of brilliant sporting action that follows. We want to give this the moment it deserves and we are confident that what we reveal will be worth the wait.
Q: Why aren’t you announcing the Closing Ceremony details?
A: We’re working at pace in our planning and will announce the details of the Closing Ceremony, including the venue, in the coming weeks.
Q: Has a Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony ever been held in an arena before?
A: To our knowledge, this is the first time the Opening Ceremony of a Commonwealth Games will be held in an arena of this nature — a reflection of the pioneering approach that defines Glasgow 2026.
Glasgow has one of the greatest live entertainment venues on the planet; The Hydro. It’s built for atmosphere, for spectacle, for the kind of moments that stay with you long after
you leave so it is absolutely right to use that space, it’s incredible team and reimagine what is possible for Games ceremonies. This is a ceremony made by Glasgow, shaped by Glasgow and delivered the way only Glasgow can.
Q: Will there be fireworks or a drone show?
A: To make sure we keep the magic, we’re not sharing details of the Ceremony's creative content at this stage. What we can say is that it will be bold, it will be unmistakably Glasgow and it will be unlike anything the Commonwealth Games has produced before. We look forward to sharing more with audiences in the coming months.
Q: Where will people be able to watch the Ceremony if they don’t get a ticket?
A: The Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2026 is a moment for everyone, not just those inside The Hydro.
We’re working to make sure as many people as possible can experience it, whether that's in Glasgow, across Scotland, or around the world. Details of how and where fans can watch will be announced in the coming weeks.