The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games reached its finale with a spectacular Closing Ceremony at the city's OVO Hydro on Sunday, featuring a wealth of Scottish musicians and the handover to the next hosts, India.
Around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations took part in the Games, leaving Scotland in fourth place in the final medal table. The competition transformed the city for eleven days, with pop-ups and special events at Glasgow Cathedral, the City Chambers, Scotland House and the Merchant City.
Scottish stars take centre stage
Singer Sandi Thom opened the ceremony to chants of "no Scotland no party" wearing a Saltire dress. She then sang "I'm proud to be from Scotland" to the tune of her hit "I Wish I Were a Punk Rocker", surrounded by pipes and drums.
Cammy Barnes launched straight into "Whisky Roll" on the big screen asking whose up next, just before Australian Delta Goodrem took over on the live stage. Pyrotechnics fired off as a flurry of colour filled the stage representing each nation of the Commonwealth as she sang "Ecliose" and "Warrior".
Team Scotland proudly wore their cone heads as flags were waved from around the Commonwealth.
Handover to India
India received the Commonwealth Games flag as the centenary edition of the multi-sport event will be held in Ahmedabad in four years' time. The President of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Rukare, officially passed the flag to Neeraj Chopra of Team India.
The handover was celebrated by the Shiamak Davar Dance Troupe with a dance and song production worthy of the biggest Bollywood movie, with illuminated batons twirled as around a hundred dancers filled the stage. Leading Indian performers included singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, actress Manushi Chhillar, singer Bhoomi Trivedi and musicians Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan.
A collaboration between sitar player Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and bagpiper Ross Ainslie closed the ceremony with a musical tribute to the Indian 2030 host city.
Music and celebration
Simple Minds provided one of the evening's biggest highlights by reminding people "Don't You (Forget About Me)". Delta Goodrem, who represented original hosts Victoria after they pulled out due to financial restrictions, raised the roof with Eurovision-style vocals.
Delta said: "Closing ceremonies have such a special energy - they're a celebration of everything the athletes have achieved and of all the people who have come together through sport. It feels especially meaningful to return to a Commonwealth Games ceremony 20 years after performing 'Together We Are One' at Melbourne 2006."
Inverness folk group Elephant Sessions kept things traditional adding a bit of funk, while BBC presenter and singer Shereen Cutkelvin and rapper Bemz also took part. Radio DJ George Bowie kept the crowd moving with his classic tune "Bits and Pieces", and dance group Diversity showed off impressive moves with an energetic performance.
Acknowledging athletes and volunteers
The ceremony also recognised the achievements of athletes who competed during the Games, including swimming, netball, boxing, judo, gymnasts, bowlers and para athletes. Volunteers and organisers, who took part in a mass ceilidh, were acknowledged for their important role in ensuring the event played out brilliantly.
George Black, chair of Glasgow 2026, said: "We have created an unforgettable games now from Glasgow to Ahmedabad - two great river cities. As we say in parts of Scotland 'slanjevar to your good health' until we meet again."
