The Hydro has seen some of the world’s biggest artists, but it had never seen anything quite like the Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony. 

Perched on the banks of the River Clyde, The Hydro has played host to Taylor Swift, Beyonce and the Arctic Monkeys but the iconic venue added a rich new seam to its tapestry as it launched the 2026 Games.

Athletes from 74 nations and territories proceeded through the arena, each led by athletes carrying their flag and a specifically designed baton. 

Team England were led by bowler Sian Honnor, who carried the flag, and swimmer Luke Greenbank, who carried the baton, ahead of 10 days of competition across 10 sports.

A total of 150 Team England athletes and staff processed through a lit loop, representing the start of a Celtic knot that wrapped around a living garden, a nod to Glasgow’s identity as the Dear Green Place.

For the first time, athletes arrived to the ceremony before the main production – but not before a star-studded arrival for some very special guests.

Sir Chris Hoy was first to step out of Doctor Who’s TARDIS, which went on a whistlestop tour of some Scottish landmarks, before he was swiftly followed by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Their Majesties then watched on as nations and territories from all across the Commonwealth filed into the arena, each bringing their own cultures and identities.

Hosts Scotland were the last to arrive, before a stirring rendition of Flower of Scotland got the rest of the ceremony underway.

These Games are supposedly smaller in scale compared to previous editions but there were no corners cut in putting on a show to launch the 2026 edition.

A cast of over 490 people performed as part of the ceremony, with nine original compositions created and 35 filming locations used.

Throughout was a distinctively Scottish thread; the Loch Ness Monster, traffic cones, and teacakes all made their mandatory appearances, while a trip to Glasgow Central station, the Barrowland Ballroom and the Sub Club was soundtracked by Baccara’s adopted anthem, Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.

Scotland have recently been keen to stress that there is no party without them but the arrival of the rest of the Commonwealth will surely make it a festival like no other over the next 10 days. There was still time for the customary speeches and an acoustic version of The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) before King Charles declared the Games officially open. 

Tom Walker and KT Tunstall picked up the party to finish a ceremony like no other for a Games like no other.

Both have proudly innovated with a view to the future. It is now up to the next 10 days of sporting action to follow suit in that spirit.