With only a few weeks to go until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the city is already embracing the spirit of celebration. This weekend, communities from across Glasgow and beyond gathered in Kelvingrove Park for the annual Glasgow Mela, a colourful multicultural festival that has been a favourite on the Glasgow’s event calendar since 1990.

As a flagship event of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, this year’s Mela featured an enhanced programme of international music, spectacular performances and interactive activities. Visitors had the opportunity to take part in dance workshops, join creative sessions, watch live performances and try a range of sports activities that reflected the spirit of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

The King’s Baton Relay also made a special stop at the festival as it continued its journey across Scotland before it returns to Glasgow ahead of the Opening Ceremony on 23 July. Festival-goers had the chance to see the baton up close, including the striking design created by Glasgow-based artist Annie Graham. Featuring the word ‘gather’, the baton echoed the Mela’s core purpose, bringing people together through shared experiences and celebration.

Phil Batty, Chief Executive Glasgow 2026, said: 

"The Glasgow Mela is such a signature part of the events calendar here in Glasgow, so to have the Mela come together with the Glasgow 2026 Festival is just magic. It captures the community spirit and energy that this festival is all about.

"One of the core themes of the Glasgow 2026 Festival is gathering, so having the King's Baton here at the Glasgow Mela today is exactly what this is all about. Mela brings together communities from right across the city. It's an opportunity to gather in one space, celebrate the things we have in common and learn more about each other."

Adding to the excitement, Glasgow 2026 mascot Finnie joined performers and visitors throughout the day, delighting younger festival-goers and helping to build anticipation for the Games as the city’s celebrations begin.


Katy Nicol, Senior events manager at Glasgow Life said:

"Glasgow Mela is one of the most loved festivals in the city. It's been running since 1990, and it's a fantastic celebration of the diversity, culture and communities that make Glasgow what it is.

"What's been wonderful about being part of the Glasgow 2026 Festival this year, is the opportunity to enhance and expand the programme. We built it around three key themes – social justice, gathering and celebration. We wanted to explore what the Commonwealth means, including its complex history, while creating opportunities for people to come together, celebrate and give a warm Glasgow welcome to the visitors who will arrive for the Games."

Rupa Mooker, Radio Presenter and a host of the Glasgow Mela said:

"The brilliant thing about the Mela this year is that it's the flagship event for the Glasgow 2026 Festival. We're helping to kick off the celebrations, and it's going to be an amazing few weeks for the city.

"The Mela naturally reflects many of the themes of Glasgow 2026. It's about unity, bringing people together and celebrating the power of culture and sport to connect communities. The Glasgow Mela has been doing exactly that for years, bringing people together from across Scotland to celebrate our diversity and shared experiences." 

The Glasgow 2026 Festival continues to build momentum through a programme of live music, creative workshops and community events, creating a cultural celebration that will leave a lasting legacy long after the final medal. To find out more about the Glasgow 2026 festival, visit: https://www.glasgow2026.com/get-involved/about-festival