Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony: Which music acts are performing? How to watch? Will King Charles III and the Royal Family be there?
Updated 23/07/2026 at 20:46 GMT+1
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The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is here as more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories battle it out for top honours. Over 10 action-packed days in Glasgow, 215 gold medals will be handed out across a variety of different sports and disciplines.
How the Commonwealth Games differs from the Olympics explained
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But before all that though, there is the small matter of the Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony, which will mark the start of the proceedings in spectacular fashion.
Taking place at the Hydro, the Opening Ceremony promises to deliver a fitting Scottish welcome for all involved this year.
On top of the Athlete Parade of Nations, athletes, officials, volunteers and fans in attendance - as well as those tuning in around the world - will be able to enjoy performances from some big names from the world of music.
And adding a royal flavour to proceedings, the King and Queen will also be in Glasgow for the curtain-raising spectacle, as Scotland hosts the Commonwealth Games for the fourth time.
How to watch the Opening Ceremony
In the UK, the Opening Ceremony can be watched live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with coverage starting at 18:30 BST, and uninterrupted viewing from 20:00-22:00.
For all the details on how to watch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, click here.
When does the Opening Ceremony begin?
The Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony begins at 20:00 BST, with athletes set to enter the arena at 20:30.
Who is performing at the Opening Ceremony?
At one of the UK's best music venues, entertainment will be provided by some huge Scottish acts.
Tom Walker, KT Tunstall, Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Valtos, Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX will all be performing, meaning there will be a mixture of genres for everyone to enjoy inside the Hydro.
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Which members of the Royal Family will be in attendance?
King Charles and Queen Camilla will join athletes, officials, volunteers and fans in Glasgow for the Opening Ceremony.
The Games will be officially opened by the Royal couple. King Charles launched the King's baton relay on Commonwealth Day last March, marking 500 days until the beginning of the Games.
When the King reads the message that was placed inside the baton during the Opening Ceremony, that will mark the official beginning of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Also in attendance will be Sir Chris Hoy, one of Scotland's most legendary sporting figures.
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"It is an absolute honour to attend the opening of Glasgow 2026 with the King and Queen," he said.
"A home Games is always a special occasion and I have so many wonderful memories from competing in the Commonwealth Games myself.
"I have no doubt the city of Glasgow will yet again be a superb host to what promises to be an exciting event and I very much look forward to being a part of it."
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The Commonwealth Games is entering a new era with TNT Sports and HBO Max set to deliver a never-before-seen viewing experience, with every event from Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games exclusively live across all HBO Max plans in the UK and Ireland.
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