Glasgow, Scotland. The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony was held entirely indoors for the first time since the event began in 1930, as Glasgow hosted a scaled-back edition following Victoria’s withdrawal as host in 2023.
The ceremony highlighted the 76 participating nations and territories through custom batons reflecting their cultural symbols, which were placed in a garden at the centre of the stage.
Glasgow hosts the Games again
Glasgow became the third city to host the Commonwealth Games twice, alongside Edinburgh and Auckland.
The Games, formerly known as the British Empire Games, have long combined sporting competition with debate over the legacy of the British Empire and the role of the Commonwealth.
Cultural symbols and ceremony
Each participating nation and territory carried a custom baton decorated with cultural symbols. The batons were collected and planted in a green garden on stage, presented as a garden of nations.
Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, said: “Tonight, every flag here is equal.”
The programme also included comedian Greg McHugh, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, King Charles and Queen Camilla, and Doctor Who actor Sylvester McCoy. The ceremony concluded with a giant Tunnock’s teacake.
Commonwealth Sport’s message
Commonwealth Sport used the ceremony to emphasise the connections among participating nations and territories, while seeking to place them at the centre of the event’s presentation.
The previous Glasgow opening ceremony in 2014 attracted attention when actor John Barrowman kissed a male dancer, in a statement addressing the criminalisation of homosexuality in many Commonwealth countries.