2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

Opening ceremony for UK Sporting event May 2021 2014 Commonwealth Gamesopening ceremony File:2014 Glasgow opening ceremony shot.png Stage production at the climax of the opening ceremony, showing models of the Finnieston Crane and Forth Bridge 2014 07 23 y 21:00 – 23:40 BST (UTC+1) Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland 55 50 59 N 4 12 20 W type:landmark inline Come on In BBC Scotland Karen Dunbar John Barrowman Amy MacDonald Rod Stewart Susan Boyle Ewan McGregor The opening ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games was held at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland, between 21:00 and 23:40 BST, on 23 July 2014. Proceedings Countdown The ceremony began with a dramatic countdown, starting at 30 seconds, which was then interrupted at 15 seconds by Scottish actor Ewan McGregor to announce a partnership with the 2014 Commonwealth Games and UNICEF. During this segment, McGregor claims that the games hope to "team up" with the viewers and would announce further details later in the show. The ceremony then continues with a countdown, starting from 14 seconds, with "The Mother We Share" by Chvrches playing, featuring aerial shots of Glasgow, including the River Clyde and Clyde Arc.May 2021 Welcome to Scotland The ceremony show begins with a camera zooming in on Scottish comedian Karen Dunbar who is sitting in the audience of Celtic Park. Dunbar stands up and begins to sing in a cappella accompanied by backing dancers, singing a song entitled "Welcome to Scotland". Dunbar is then joined by John Barrowman who emerges from behind a kilt in a car who transports him around the stadium on a tour around Scotland that has been created within the stadium, taking viewers through areas such as Ayrshire, where they focus on the works of Robert Burns, Gretna Green, significant as a place of marriage as the age of marriage in Scotland was lower than that elsewhere in the British Isles. The ceremony then focuses on the works of the River Clyde shipbuilding industry and the various ships constructed in Glasgow on the River Clyde during its peak of production.May 2021 The Highlands are represented through a rendition of "Loch Lomond" by Scottish band Runrig. Scottish culture is showcased through a variety of people dancing in costumes styled as Tunnock tea cakes, followed by a makeshift Loch Ness Monster being celebrated as a showcase of Scottish tourism and heraldry. Highland Cow, Highland pony and Dolly the Sheep are mentioned as a further showcase of Scottish culture and wildlife.May 2021 The ceremony recognises Scotland as the home of golf with a showcase focusing on St Andrews. Lastly, Barrowman then begins rapidly listing a list of Scottish inventions, such as the telephone, tyre, television and the toilet to name a few.May 2021 The segment finishes with Dunbar singing alone on top of the bus with a model of the Forth Bridge. Dunbar then begins singing "Welcome to Scotland" followed by the volunteers used during the opening production waving into the camera as they run off the platform. Barrowman is then seen standing on a constructed model of the Finnieston Crane with the message "Welcome to Glasgow" displayed in an LED screen behind him.May 2021 Come on In Dunbar welcomes the crowd to the games and the broadcast cuts to thousands of spectators watching the ceremony at Glasgow Green. Amy MacDonald performs a rendition of "Rhythm of My Heart" in George Square with the public of Glasgow. Following a pre-recorded segment in George Square, MacDonald then sings part of the song in the stadium before welcoming Rod Stewart who then finishes off the song. Arrival of the Queen thumb|right|The Queen and Prince Philip arrive by car As with tradition at Commonwealth Games opening ceremonies, the Flag of India, Flag of Scotland and the Flag of Australia are raised, with India hosting the previous games in 2010, Scotland hosting the current games in 2014, and Australia hosting the next games in 2018. Susan Boyle performs a rendition of "Mull of Kintyre" to usher in Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The British national anthem "God Save the Queen" was then performed.https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/video-queen-steals-show-games-1837981 Video: Queen steals show at the Games 24 July 2014 The Red Arrows fly over by, with blue and white smoke to symbolise the 2014 Commonwealth Games being held in Scotland. Arrival of the Queen's Baton The Queen's Baton is flown into Glasgow on a sea plane that lands on the River Clyde and is carried by broadcaster and cyclist Mark Beaumont. Tartan display In preparation for the Parade of Nations, volunteers perform to "Feel So Close" by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, and music included by Andy Stewart as a tribute to his contribution to Scottish music and culture. Volunteer dancers are then seen erecting chairs for the athletes which were sourced across Glasgow. 500 volunteer dancers were used for this segment of the ceremony. Parade of Nations The ceremony was directed by David Zolkwerhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/24/commonwealth-games-opening-ceremony-glasgow-review Commonwealth Games opening ceremony review – no lack of heart but a lack of oomph Gardner Lyn Lyn Gardner 24 July 2014 theguardian.com 24 July 2014 and included the 2014 Commonwealth Games Parade of Nations where 71 athletes, bearing the flags of their respective nations and territories, led their national delegations as they paraded into the stadium. The games were formally opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She referred to the Commonwealth's "shared ideals and ambitions" and the "bonds that unite" its members.Duncanson Hilary 23 July 2014 Queen tells of 'shared ideals' at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/queen-tells-of-shared-ideals-at-commonwealth-games-opening-ceremony-30455671.html Irish Independent Independent News & Media Press Association https://web.archive.org/web/20220630045724/http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/queen-tells-of-shared-ideals-at-commonwealth-games-opening-ceremony-30455671.html 30 June 2022 dead During the Parade of Nations at the 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, held on 23 July 2014, 71 athletes bearing the flags of their respective nations lead their national delegations as they paraded into Celtic Park in the host city of Glasgow, Scotland. Each team was led out by a Scottish Terrier, wearing a jacket bearing the name of the country, followed by the flag bearer for that nation.Scottie dogs 'steal the show' at Commonwealth Games https://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-07-24/scottie-dogs-steal-the-show-at-commonwealth-games/ ITV News 29 August 2026 24 July 2014 As the host of the last games, India entered first, followed by the rest of the Asian countries competing. Following this was Oceania, Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and finally Europe. The Scotland team entered last, representing the host nation. In all cases nations entered in alphabetic order of their country names in English within their regions (besides India and Scotland). In honouring the victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 tragedy that occurred the week before the opening ceremony, the Malaysian delegation was led by eight athletes in Malaysia Airlines cabin crew uniform while the remaining athletes and officials wore black armbands, and the national flag was at half mast. A minute's silence was also observed.Malaysia pays tribute at Commonwealth Games https://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/07/25/March-of-sorrow-for-MH17-victims-Msia-pays-tribute-at-Commonwealth-Games/ The Star Malaysia 25 July 2014 Countries and flagbearers Below is a list of parading countries and their announced flag bearer, in the same order as the parade. This is sortable by country name, flag bearer's name, or flag bearer's sport. Names are given in the form officially designated by the CGF. The first team to enter the stadium was India, host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, maintaining the tradition of the immediate previous host nation entering first.Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: India leads opening ceremony parade https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/glasgow-014-commonewealth-games-opening-ceremony-queen-elizabeth-ii-201467-2014-07-23 India Today 24 July 2014 24 July 2014 OrderNationFlag bearerSport 1 IND 2014 Vijay Kumarhttp://ibnlive.in.com/news/vijay-kumar-named-indias-flagbearer-at-cwg/487440-5-23.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140725104514/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/vijay-kumar-named-indias-flagbearer-at-cwg/487440-5-23.html dead 25 July 2014 Vijay Kumar named India's flag-bearer at CWG 21 July 2014 ibnlive.in.com/ 21 July 2014 Shooting 2 BAN 2014 Iqbal Islam Shooting 3 BRU 2014 Muhammad Imaadi Abd Aziz Cycling 4 MAS 2014 Fatehah Mustapa10 July 2014 Fatehah picked as Malaysian flag bearer for Glasgow Commonwealth Games http://www.baikbike.com/fatehah-picked-as-malaysian-flag-bearer-for-glasgow-commonwealth-games/ Baik Bike.com 11 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714120627/http://www.baikbike.com/fatehah-picked-as-malaysian-flag-bearer-for-glasgow-commonwealth-games/ 14 July 2014 dead Cycling 5 MDV 2014 Hassan Saaidhttp://www.sun.mv/english/23536 Saaid appointed as Maldives' flag bearer at Commonwealth Games 15 July 2014 sun.mv/ 15 July 2014 Athletics 6 PAK 2014 Azhar Hussain Wrestling 7 SIN 2014 Lim Heem WeiYong Teck Lim 2 July 2014 Dual-contingent flag presentation ceremony mark start of Singapore's 2014 Commonwealth Games and YOG journey http://www.redsports.sg/2014/07/02/teamsg-flag-presentation/ Red Sports 2 July 2014 24 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181224013820/https://www.redsports.sg/2014/07/02/teamsg-flag-presentation/ dead Gymnastics 8 SRI 2014 Sudesh Peiris Weightlifting 9 AUS 2014 Anna MearesHorne Ben 22 July 2014 Meares picked as flag bearer for Games http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/meares-picked-as-flag-bearer-for-games-20140722-3cbv5.html Sydney Morning Herald 22 July 2014 Cycling 10 COK 2014 Patricia Taea Athletics 11 FIJ 2014 Litia TikoisuvaKumar Arin 13 July 2014 Tikoisuva's our flag bearer http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=274244 Fiji Times 13 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714125506/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=274244 14 July 2014 dead dmy-all Lawn bowls 12 KIR 2014 David KatoatauMay 2018 Weightlifting 13 NRU 2014 Itte Detenamo Weightlifting 14 NZL 2014 Valerie Adams Kris Shannon 23 July 2014 Adams named as NZ flag bearer https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/commonwealth-games/adams-named-as-nz-flag-bearer/RHHEIVH674M3GBII5LD7GLEGYU/ The New Zealand Herald 29 August 2026 Athletics 15 NIU 2014 Hina Reriti Lawn bowls 16 NFI 2014 John Christian Lawn bowls 17 PNG 2014 Steven Karihttp://www.pngloop.com/2014/07/14/steven-kari-named-flag-bearer-glasgow-games/ Steven Kari named Flag Bearer at Glasgow Games Naime Quintina 14 July 2014 pngloop.com/ 14 July 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140714223050/http://www.pngloop.com/2014/07/14/steven-kari-named-flag-bearer-glasgow-games/ 14 July 2014 Weightlifting 18 SAM 2014 Ele Opeloge Weightlifting 19 SOL 2014 Jenly Tegu Wini Weightlifting 20 TGA 2014 Uaine Fa Jr16 July 2014 Tonga team for Commonwealth Games 2014 http://matangitonga.to/2014/07/16/tonga-team-commonwealth-games-2014 Matangi Nuku'alofa, Tonga 16 July 2014 Boxing 21 TUV 2014 Lapua Lapua Weightlifting 22 VAN 2014 Yoshua Shing Table tennis 23 BOT 2014 Nigel Amos Athletics 24 CMR 2014 Vanetius Njuh Weightlifting 25 GHA 2014 Janet Amponsah Athletics 26 KEN 2014 Mercy Obiero Weightlifting 27 LES 2014 Mokhotho Moroke Boxing 28 MAW 2014 Mataya Tsoyo Cycling 29 MRI 2014 Kate Foo Kune Badminton 30 MOZ 2014 Kurt Couto Athletics 31 NAM 2014 Helalia Johannes Athletics 32 NGR 2014 Maryam Usman Weightlifting 33 RWA 2014 Theogene Hakizimana Powerlifting 34 SEY 2014 Clementina Agricole Weightlifting 35 SLE 2014 James Fayla Squash 36 RSA 2014 Cecil Afrika16 July 2014 Afrika named SA flag bearer http://www.sport24.co.za/OtherSport/Afrika-named-SA-flag-bearer-20140716 Sport24 16 July 2014 Rugby sevens 37 SWZ 2014 Phumlile Ndzinisa Athletics 38 TAN 2014 Seleman Salum Kidunda Boxing 39 UGA 2014 Charles Ssekyaaya Weightlifting 40 ZAM 2014 Punza Mathews Judo 41 AIA 2014 Rechelle Meade Athletics 42 ANT 2014 Daniel Bailey Athletics 43 BAH 2014 Arianna Vanderpool-WallaceStubbs Brent 23 July 2014 Flying The Flag http://www.tribune242.com/news/2014/jul/23/flying-flag/ Bahamas Tribune 23 July 2014 Swimming 44 BAR 2014 Shane Brathwaite Athletics 45 IVB 2014 Chantel Malone Athletics 46 CAY 2014 Michele Smith Cycling 47 DMA 2014 Brendan Williams Athletics 48 GRN 2014 Kirani James Athletics 49 JAM 2014 Warren Weir Athletics 50 MNT 2014 Julius Morris Athletics 51 SKN 2014 Antoine Adams Athletics 52 LCA 2014 Levern Spencer Athletics 53 SVG 2014 Kineke Alexander Athletics 54 TRI 2014 Keshorn Walcott Athletics 55 TCI 2014 Angelo Garland Athletics 56 BIZ 2014 Katy Sealy Athletics 57 BER 2014 Micah FranklinWright Stephen 22 July 2014 Franklin chosen as Games flag bearer https://www.royalgazette.com/other/sport/article/20140723/franklin-over-the-moon-with-flag-duties/ Royal Gazette Bermuda 29 August 2026 Squash 58 CAN 2014 Susan Nattrass26 June 2014 Susan Nattrass named Commonwealth Games flag-bearer https://www.cbc.ca/sports/susan-nattrass-named-commonwealth-games-flag-bearer-1.2688555 CBC Sports Toronto, Ontario, Canada CBC 29 August 2026 Shooting 59 FAI 2014 Mike Brownlee Badminton 60 GUY 2014 Geron Williams Cycling 61 SHN 2014 Simon Henry Shooting 62 CYP 2014 Georgios Achilleos Shooting 63 ENG 2014 Nick Matthew22 July 2014 Nick Matthew to be Team England's flag bearer at Commonwealth Games https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/22/commonwealth-games-nick-matthew-team-england-flag-bearer The Guardian 22 July 2014 Squash 64 GIB 2014 Chris Walkerhttp://www.vox.gi/local/8313-team-gibraltar-finally-named.html Team Gibraltar Finally named Shephard John 14 July 2014 vox.gi/ 14 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714222823/http://www.vox.gi/local/8313-team-gibraltar-finally-named.html 2014-07-14 dead Triathlon 65 GUE 2014 Chris Simpson22 July 2014 Chris Simpson to carry Guernsey flag at Glasgow 2014 ceremony https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/commonwealth-games/28424289 BBC 22 July 2014 Squash 66 IOM 2014 Tim Kneale23 July 2014 Glasgow 2014: Shooter 'proud' to be Isle of Man flag bearer https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/commonwealth-games/28448926 BBC Sport 29 August 2026 Shooting 67 JER 2014 Steve Le Couilliard2 July 2014 Glasgow 2014: Steve Le Couilliard 'overwhelmed' to be flag bearer https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/commonwealth-games/28124570 BBC News BBC 2 July 2014 Shooting 68 MLT 2014 Kevin Arthur Moore22 July 2014 Kevin Arthur Moore flag bearer for Malta at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony https://timesofmalta.com/article/kevin-arthur-moore-flag-bearer-for-malta-at-commonwealth-games-opening.528835 Times of Malta 29 August 2026 Athletics 69 NIR 2014 Martyn Irvine 23 July 2014 Track cyclist Martyn Irvine named Northern Ireland flag bearer https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/13286363.track-cyclist-martyn-irvine-named-northern-ireland-flag-bearer/ Glasgow Evening Times 29 August 2026 Cycling 70 WAL 2014 Francesca Joneshttps://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/commonwealth-games-2014-gymnast-frankie-7473992 Commonwealth Games 2014: Gymnast Frankie Jones named as Team Wales opening ceremony flag bearer Griffiths Gareth 22 July 2014 walesonline.co.uk/ 29 August 2026 Gymnastics 71 SCO 2014 Euan BurtonMcGinty Stephen 21 July 2014 Euan Burton named as Commonwealth Games flag bearer https://www.scotsman.com/sport/euan-burton-named-as-commonwealth-games-flag-bearer-1531035 The Scotsman 29 August 2026 Judo Programme The programme, which included about 2,000 performers, featured Karen Dunbar, John Barrowman, Amy Macdonald, Rod Stewart, Susan Boyle, Nicola Benedetti, Julie Fowlis, Pumeza Matshikiza, Eric Whitacre and the National Youth Choir of Scotland, as well as a message from the International Space Station. The ceremony began with a countdown and a recorded video message from Scottish actor Ewan McGregor, explaining the partnership between the Games and UNICEF.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/commonwealth-games-2014-opening-ceremony-ewan-mcgregor-launches-unicef-charity-fundraiser-during-performance-9624536.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/commonwealth-games-2014-opening-ceremony-ewan-mcgregor-launches-unicef-charity-fundraiser-during-performance-9624536.html 1 May 2022 subscription Ewan McGregor launches opening ceremony with message from Unicef Independent.co.uk 24 July 2014 Following the arrival of the Queen there was a flypast by the Red Arrows display team. The venue featured the largest LED video screen in Europe,Adam Withnall https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/commonwealth-games-2014--on-your-marks-glasgow-ready-for-opening-ceremony-as-scotland-promises-to-show-what-were-made-of-9623129.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/commonwealth-games/commonwealth-games-2014--on-your-marks-glasgow-ready-for-opening-ceremony-as-scotland-promises-to-show-what-were-made-of-9623129.html 1 May 2022 subscription Commonwealth Games 2014 – on your marks: Glasgow ready for opening ceremony as Scotland promises to show 'what we're made of' – Commonwealth Games – Sport The Independent 19 March 2014 24 July 2014 supplied by Sports Technology.http://www.glasgow2014.com/media-centre/press-releases/sports-technology-showcase-all-bigscreen-action-glasgow-2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140730034551/http://www.glasgow2014.com/media-centre/press-releases/sports-technology-showcase-all-bigscreen-action-glasgow-2014 usurped 30 July 2014 Sports Technology to showcase all the big-screen action of Glasgow 2014 | Glasgow 2014 – Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014 24 July 2014 Scotland's then First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed the participants and spectators, and introduced a moment of silence in memory of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 disaster. The final part of the Queen's Baton Relay was run by 32 Scottish volunteers nominated for giving their time to developing the nation's youth through sport. The baton was then passed to Sir Chris Hoy, who delivered it to President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Prince Imran and the Queen. The display of the message concealed within the baton was delayed by a difficulty in opening the device. The Games were launched in partnership with UNICEF, to save and change children’s lives. The unique partnership aimed "to use the power of sport to reach every child in Scotland and benefit children in every Commonwealth nation and territory."http://www.glasgow2014.com/about-us/our-sponsors/unicef https://web.archive.org/web/20140729134817/http://www.glasgow2014.com/about-us/our-sponsors/unicef usurped 29 July 2014 Unicef | Glasgow 2014 – Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014 14 July 2014 Broadcast The ceremony was broadcast by BBC One, and was introduced by Gary Lineker, Hazel Irvine, Clare Balding and Huw Edwards.https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04bb2b1 BBC One – Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2014, Opening Ceremony bbc.co.uk 23 July 2014 23 July 2014 The estimated worldwide television audience was one billion, with 9 million in the UK.https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a586161/commonwealth-games-2014-opening-ceremony-scores-76m-on-bbc-one/ Commonwealth Games 2014 opening ceremony scores 7.6m on BBC One – TV News Tom Eames 24 July 2014 Digital Spy 29 August 2026 References Butler Nick Osborne Paul 23 July 2014 https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1021474/commonwealth-games-the-opening-ceremony-from-celtic-park Commonwealth Games: The Opening Ceremony from Celtic Park Insidethegames Glasgow, Scotland 23 July 2014 24 July 2014 Pacific flag bearers overwhelmed by Glasgow Games http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/pacific-flag-bearers-overwelmed-by-glascow-games/1347191 Radio Australia 24 July 2014 Commonwealth Games https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/commonwealthgames/10987581/Commonwealth-Games-2014-the-Queen-laughs-off-baton-hitch.html Commonwealth Games 2014: the Queen laughs off baton hitch Telegraph 14 July 2014 External links 500px Opening Ceremony – Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, CGF's Official Channel Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in pictures, The Mirror Newspaper https://archive.today/20140727011712/http://www.glasgow2014.com/celebrate/ceremonies Official ceremonies page el Sports Scotland United Kingdom Opening Ceremony Category:Commonwealth Games opening ceremonies Category:Ceremonies in the United Kingdom Category:Articles containing video clips