Next week, homegrown talent is anticipated to be the main attraction. That’s when Glasgow city hosts the massive sporting extravaganza for the second time in the last 12 years.
Glasgow’s OVO Hydro arena is expected to play host to the curtain-raiser on Thursday, 23 July ’26. The event’s expected to feature global superstars, emerging new talent & over 600 volunteers from across Scotland.
St Andrews-born KT Tunstall is set to rock the arena with massive anthems that may include Black Horse & the Cherry Tree besides Suddenly I See.
TikTok’s sea shanty sensation Nathan Evans, of Airdrie, is expected to be joined by pop-rock duo Saint PHNX as they make a triumphant return to Scottish soil. The performance is after a successful U.S. visit with their World Cup anthem.
Also joining is Edinburgh’s own indie pop star, Callum Beattie. Beattie comes fresh from selling out his headline show this year. This is while Nina Nesbitt, from Livingston, is set to perform a reimagined version of a beloved Scottish classic.
Meanwhile, electronic-trad rebels are intent on teaming up with global musicians to soundtrack the iconic Parade of Nations.
The Skye band’s signature bagpipes-meet-beats sound is expected to blast through the arena. The performance is intended for when athletes from 74 nations & territories step out to present their batons.
Glasgow ’26 Chief Marketing & Ceremonies Officer Louisa Mahon stated that Glasgow is known for its dedication to excellence. Mahon added that Scots sing louder and dance harder; besides, they are known for throwing Scottish doors open wider than anywhere else.
She added that on one hand, Scotland may share that spirit with 74 nations from across the Commonwealth in such a beautifully curated ceremony.
The Opening Ceremony is the extension of the host city’s culture. Scotland’s proud to put the future of Scottish music with current homegrown stars on a bill alongside artists like KT Tunstall, who had helped in laying the foundations for emerging artists in Scotland.
