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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Aidan Maxwell

Four Scottish music stars announced for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will launch with a showcase of Scottish music talent. (Image: Craig Watson)

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will launch with a showcase of Scottish music talent.

The Hydro arena will host the opening ceremony on July 23 for 74 nations and territories taking part in the Games. The event will feature a star-studded line-up of performers, including singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, currently on a world tour.

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.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will launch with a showcase of Scottish music talent. (Image: Supplied)

"On July 23, 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."

VALTOS (Image: EUAN ROBERTSON)

Packing out the arena with more Scottish acts, Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX will perform, fresh from their World Cup anthem success.

Other confirmed artists include Callum Beattie – who sold out a headline show at the Hydro earlier this year – and Nina Nesbitt, who will deliver a reimagined version of a much-loved Scottish track.

Nina Nesbitt (Image: Supplied)

The ceremony is designed as a "creative kaleidoscope" and a "Clyde-built journey" packed full of music, humour and Scottish surprise.

KT Tunstall (Image: Supplied)

It will also include a 600-strong cast of volunteers from across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.

Callum Beattie. (Image: Supplied)

Mahon said: "They won’t just be providing a soundtrack.

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

"This is going to be a night to remember.

"Don’t miss it, get your tickets today."

Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX (Image: Supplied)

A special highlight of the night will be the Parade of Nations, which will be soundtracked by electronic-trad band Valtos. The Skye band have teamed up with a number of different musicians from across the Commonwealth to soundtrack the ceremonial Parade of Nations, when athletes and teams from the 74 nations and territories step out and present their Baton.

Valtos's signature blend of traditional Scottish and electronic music will fill the arena.

Fans can purchase tickets through the official website at glasgow2026.com.

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