KT Tunstall and Nathan Evans to headline Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

KT Tunstall, Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx are set to headline Glasgow's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

The event will take place in the OVO Hydro on 23 July and officially kick-off 10 days of sporting action.

Singer songwriter Callum Beattie also features in the line-up, having already performed a sold-out show in the venue this year, and musician Nina Nesbitt will perform a version of a much-loved Scottish track.

Organisers said it will have "Glasgow at the heart of the story with performances from global superstars, emerging talent and a cast of volunteers from Scotland and beyond".

About 600 volunteers are taking part in total.

Inspiration for the opening ceremony has come from a variety of sources, including Bad Bunny's half-time show at this year's Superbowl and the famous dancing teacakes from Glasgow's previous opening ceremony in 2014.

Tunstall is due to play the Hydro in October as part of her world tour, having frequently performed at venues across the country.

The Black Horse and the Cherry Tree singer previously opened the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in George Square.

Organisers said Nathan Evans, famous for his Wellerman sea shanty, will bring a "Tartan Army spirit" to the crowd as the cast start to tell the story of the city.

The Airdrie singer most recently collaborated with the band Saint Phnx to release a World Cup version of their song Home.

Later in the ceremony electronic-trad band Valtos will provide the music for the ceremonial Parade of Nations.

Athletes from 74 nations and territories will walk into the arena and present their baton to the sound of the Skye band who has teamed up with musicians from across the Commonwealth.

Traditionally the King's baton relay involves a single baton being transported through all 74 Commonwealth nations.

But this year, each team competing has been given its own baton to decorate.

The baton relay started in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago last March with Sir Chris Hoy as the first runner.

It arrived in Scotland on 1 July and will make its way across more than 50 events in Scotland before reaching the Hydro.

Louisa Mahon, chief marketing and ceremonies officer at Glasgow 2026, said: "Glasgow doesn't do things in half measures - we sing louder, dance harder and are known for throwing our doors open wider than anywhere else.

"On 23 July, we will share that spirit with 74 nations from across the Commonwealth in this beautifully curated ceremony.

"An opening ceremony is the extension of the host city's culture and we're proud to put the future of Scottish music and current homegrown stars on a bill alongside artists like KT Tunstall, who helped lay the foundations for emerging artists in Scotland."

"The show is a love letter to Glasgow, to Scotland and to the Commonwealth nations we're about to welcome with open arms," she added.

"This is going to be a night to remember."

This year's pared back Games features 10 sports compared to the 17 that took place 12 years ago, following a difficult time for the competition.

Tickets are available via the Games website.