Volunteer cast members have gathered at one of the first rehearsal sessions as Glasgow 2026 prepares to welcome the world in 20 days.   

Organisers auditioned 800 ceremony hopefuls earlier this year before selecting a cast of 600, featuring alongside local dance groups, traditional cultural performers and community organisations.  

The show, which will be staged at the city’s Hydro on 23 July, will be orchestrated by Glasgow-based theatre director Roxana Cole and choreographer Emily Jane Boyle. It will also feature a star-studded lineup which organisers are keeping under wraps. Speaking at rehearsals. 

Roxana said: “It’s all starting to feel very real now that rehearsals have started. We’re currently rehearsing in a different venue with the staging marked out and the imagination is working hard to see the full vision, but in a rehearsal session this week I had goosebumps realising that we have the essence of an incredible show. I can’t wait to take it into the space it’s been made for – The Hydro.  

“My favourite thing about these rehearsals is community. We’ve brought all these cast members together from all ages and backgrounds and there’s a real sense of belonging. Glasgow has an extraordinary sense of warmth and acceptance and that will be a defining characteristic of this show.” 

Roxana rehearses with cast members as preparations continue for Glasgow 2026, bringing together performers of all ages and backgrounds ahead of the show’s move into The Hydro.

Photography Glasgow 2026

The Opening Ceremony will take audiences on a kaleidoscopic journey through Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth, with performances from major international artists, emerging talent and a cast of volunteers from across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.   

Singers from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Youth Chorus will perform the National Anthem and Scottish Dance Theatre performers will also appear in the star-studded opening extravaganza. 

Cast member Kira Ewing, watched her mum perform as a highland dancer at the 1986 Commonwealth Games and dreamt of following in her footsteps. Now, she’s rehearsing to perform in the 2026 Ceremony, she said: “My mum spoke a lot about her experience of being involved in the Opening Ceremony in Edinburgh and it inspired me to want to be in a ceremony one day and experience it for myself.   

“I’m so excited to be part of such an incredible group of dancers, performing on a stage in my home country. These rehearsals are giving me a peek behind the curtain and from what I’ve seen so far, it’s going to me amazing! I think it will be quite emotional stepping out on that stage on 23 July living my dream.” 

Kira is following in the footsteps of her mum, who performed as a highland dancer at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

Photography Glasgow 2026

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. Valtos will echo one of the major themes of the ceremony, which reflects the city’s Clydebuilt manufacturing legacy. 

Martyn MacDonald of Valtos said: “Our music is shaped by the traditions and unique sounds of Gaelic culture, so it feels natural to us to showcase some sounds from around the world for the Parade of Nations - one of the most traditional moments of an Opening Ceremony.   

“We’re now working hard to pull together our set that will be performed in the Hydro – if you know our sound, you know it will be full of energy. We will interweave traditional sounds that we know, and love, alongside our passion for electronic music with a nod to the Commonwealth nations. We can’t wait to see how the crowds react and hope they’ll join us in giving the Commonwealth nations a big Scottish welcome.” 

Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing and Ceremonies Officer, added: “This is a ceremony, reimagined. There will be surprises, there will be spectacle, and there will be the kind of warmth and welcome that only Glasgow can give, which we have seen capture hearts and minds across USA during the World Cup. This is going to be a night to remember. Don’t miss it, get your tickets today.”