THE Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games officially gets under way on Thursday, with the Bowls being played on Thursday morning through the afternoon, and the opening ceremony in the evening with an opening ceremony at the OVO Hydro.
Organisers have promised "a creative kaleidoscope and Clyde-built journey packed full of music, humour and Scottish surprise" as the city welcomes around 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories.
The ceremony will run from 8pm until 10pm on Thursday, July 23, although sporting action begins earlier in the day with Bowls and Para Bowls at the Scottish Event Campus.
Here's everything you need to know about watching the opening ceremony.
How can I watch the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony begins at 8pm on Thursday, July 23, at Glasgow's OVO Hydro.
Viewers in the UK can watch the opening ceremony live on TNT Sports 2 from 6:30pm or for free on Channel 5 from 8pm.
TNT Sports' build-up coverage starts from 6.30pm ahead of uninterrupted coverage of the ceremony itself.
The ceremony will also be streamed free online via Channel 5's streaming service.
For Gaelic speakers, BBC Alba will broadcast live coverage of the opening ceremony from 8pm.
Who is performing at the opening ceremony?
Edinburgh-born singer-songwriter KT Tunstall will headline the opening ceremony, joined by fellow Scottish musicians Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Nathan Evans and Scottish rock duo Saint PHNX.
Brit Award-winning singer Tom Walker was added to the line-up earlier this month, while electronic folk duo Valtos will perform during the Parade of Nations.
When are the Commonwealth Games?
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games run from July 24 until August 2.
Around 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will compete across 10 sports at venues across Glasgow, including the Scottish Event Campus, Scotstoun Stadium, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
