BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
The Hydro, one of the greatest live entertainment venues on the planet, is set to host the most innovative Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and Glasgow 2026 is calling for 700 enthusiastic, energetic volunteers to be part of something unforgettable.
On 23 July the Opening Ceremony will be staged in an arena for the first time in Games history. It will be the opening act for 11 days of world-class sporting celebration bringing the audience closer to the action in an immersive, electric and unmissable moment.
The Ceremony is a Clyde-built experience for the world, with the story of the city at its heart. It is being designed and delivered by renowned Glasgow-based creatives with Roxana Cole joining as show and staging director, whilst choreography will be overseen by Emily Jane Boyle and costume design by Carole Millar. The vision for the Ceremonies is driven by Glasgow 2026 Ceremonies Chief, Louisa Mahon.
Glasgow 2026 will recruit volunteer cast members, representatives from cultural community groups and athlete volunteer marshals to step into the spotlight in a world-class venue and take part in live and pre-recorded moments of the show.
Roles range from symbolic community moments and welcoming the athletes, to high-energy dance numbers, scripted performances, storytelling and so much more.
Casting is now open and Glasgow 2026 is keen to hear from:
- Dancers – all styles: classical, contemporary, jazz, urban/street dance, ballroom, social, traditional, and culturally specific.
- Theatre performers – drama students, amateur dramatic groups, musical theatre students or anyone with experience in theatre, film, or live performance.
- Musicians – singers, percussionists, drummers, or anyone with musical flair.
- All-round performers – not everyone needs a specific skill; some roles simply need enthusiasm, energy, and a passion for this once in a lifetime experience
Minimum volunteer age is 16 and no previous is experience required. Passionate people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to showcase the city’s local communities and cultures.
The Hydro is part of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and is one of the four iconic Games venues. The Hydro has hosted some of the biggest names in global entertainment and this summer it will welcome the Commonwealth’s top 12 Netball teams to compete in front of thousands of spectators.
Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing and Ceremonies Officer at Glasgow 2026, said: “From iconic directors and actors to global producers, choreographers and set designers, Glasgow and Scotland are bursting with creativity. We’re working with some incredible female creatives to build a ceremony that’s bold, unmistakably Glasgow and unlike anything the Commonwealth Games has produced before.
“The Hydro is a spectacular venue and this ceremony is being designed to be experienced, not observed – one that will translate to broadcast in a way that stadium ceremonies simply cannot match.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for volunteers to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest global superstars who have performed in front of cheering crowds in the Hydro bowl. No matter your background, ability or experience – we want to hear from you, this is your moment!”
Dominic McKay, Chief Executive of the SEC, said: “The SEC is built for moments like the Commonwealth Games 2026 Opening Ceremony. We’re incredibly proud to play such a central role in the opening celebrations, not just as a venue, but as a passionate partner committed to delivering an extraordinary Games for Glasgow and the entire Commonwealth. We are ready to lift the curtain and raise the roof on an event which will inspire and capture the imagination of millions.”
Taking place from 23 July to 2 August, Glasgow 2026 will feature 10 days of exhilarating sport in four iconic venues, welcoming over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth to compete in a dynamic programme of 10 sports and six Para sports.