Commonwealth Games 2026: Check out the spectacular opening ceremony

Dancers in big glitter, blue and silver star costumes dance on stage with bright lights.

5 hours ago

The Commonwealth Games 2026 are officially open. All with the help of King Charles III, the Loch Ness Monster and thousands of athletes and Para-athletes.

The 10-day event will see around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories competing in the Games.

Last night saw some famous faces in Glasgow's Hydro Arena - including the King and Queen entering the ceremony through Doctor Who's Tardis.

And who was there to greet them? Only famous cyclist Sir Chris Hoy.

Did you watch the opening ceremony? What was your favourite part? Let us know in the comments below.

Glasgow gets ready to host the Commonwealth Games
2026 Commonwealth Games medals will feature braille
What are the Olympic Games all about?

King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Sir Chris Hoy step out of the TARDIS as they arrive for the opening ceremony for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

After arriving in blue-box style, the King thanked the city of Glasgow "and all those who have made this event possible".

He added that the Commonwealth is a "unique and extraordinary family of nations".

Two dancers wearing white dresses hold white cloth above their heads whilst kneeling on the stage.

But the performers didn't need a Tardis to take us back in time.

The first dance of the opening ceremony showed us 1700s pre-industrial Scotland.

The dance represented the weaving industry, using long white cloths.

Dancers are covered in a tube of white mesh, they are reaching upwards and outwards to change the material's shape.

The city's history of science and medicine was also highlighted.

Like Joseph Lister who introduced antiseptic surgery and Sir William Macewen pioneered brain tumour removal.

A dancer wearing a silver suit and a glitter unicorn headdress dances on stage.

Of course Glasgow's night life had to be mentioned.

Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie sang Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, surrounded by sparkly unicorns parading around.

Flag bearer Nina Kennedy leads the Australian athletes during the opening ceremony. The stage is shaped like a Celtic knot and there is tufts of grass in the middle of it.

The athletes walked around the stage, carrying their nation's flags and waving to the crowd.

The ceremony's stage was shaped to represent a Celtic knot.

Scottish actor Sam Heughan performs next to Nessie. The stage is a dark blue, with Nessie's body projected onto a screen that shows water and mountains. Sam stands on the stage with his arms outstretched.

A giant, blue Loch Ness Monster joined Scottish actor Sam Heughan for their moment in the spotlight.

I thought she was camera shy.

Singer songwriter KT Tunstall performing with a guitar on stage.

Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstal performed two of her greatest hits, Black Horse & the Cherry Tree and Suddenly I See.

But of course she had to get a Tartan Army anthem in there too. She led the crown in a chant of "No Scotland No Party".

Dancers performing as a giant Teacake with pyrotechnics hands form the celling at the conclusion of the opening ceremony for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

And how to end the ceremony? With a giant, flying Tunnock's teacake of course.