Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony Live: Who is performing tonight? Full performers list, time, venue and where to watch

The Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony is set to light up Glasgow on Thursday, July 23, marking the official start of the XXIII Commonwealth Games. The spectacular event at the OVO Hydro will feature live music, dance performances, stunning visuals and the traditional Athlete Parade of Nations, welcoming more than 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.

Here's everything you need to know about the Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony, including the performers, start time and where to watch live.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony performers

A host of Scottish artists will take centre stage during the opening ceremony, celebrating the country's music and culture.


The performers include:

• Tom Walker
• KT Tunstall
• Callum Beattie
• Nina Nesbitt
• Valtos
• Nathan Evans
• Saint PHNX

The ceremony will also feature dance acts, immersive visual displays and the Parade of Nations, making it one of the biggest entertainment events of the Games.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, singer Tom Walker, best known for his hit Leave a Light On, said he was honoured to perform in his home country and described returning to Glasgow's Hydro as a special moment.

Sir Chris Hoy to feature in Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony

Scottish cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy will play a special role during the opening ceremony.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist, who revealed in October 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, said it was an honour to attend the ceremony alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Hoy, an 11-time world champion, said competing at the Commonwealth Games had given him many unforgettable memories and expressed confidence that Glasgow would once again prove to be an outstanding host city.

What to expect at the Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony

The ceremony will officially launch 10 days of sporting action across Glasgow.

Highlights include:

• Athlete Parade of Nations
• Live musical performances
• Dance and cultural showcases
• Spectacular visual effects
• Appearance by Glasgow 2026 mascot Finnie
• Reunion of customised batons representing all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories

This year's event is also notable for being held inside an arena rather than a traditional stadium, making it a first in Commonwealth Games history.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony start time

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony begins at:

• Date: Thursday, July 23
• Time: 8 pm BST

The Parade of Nations is scheduled to begin at approximately 8.30 pm BST.

Where to watch Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony live in India

Viewers in India can watch the Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony live on:

• SonyLIV
• Doordarshan

The Games will run from July 24 to August 2, with more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing for 215 gold medals across multiple sporting disciplines.

Inputs from agencies