Glasgow has been hailed for “bringing the city to life” during the Commonwealth Games and praised for saving the spectacle of sport.

 

As fireworks lit up the sky over the River Clyde on Sunday for the Hydro’s glittering closing ceremony, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executive described Glasgow 2026 as a “significant achievement”, adding that that he hopes to see the momentum continue.

 

Headliners Simple Minds closed the 11-day sporting event in style, following performances from Diversity, Delta Goodrum, George Bowie and Cammy Barnes, which brought together athletes from 74 nations in a thrilling festival of sport.

 

Prince William and Princess Kate took in the action with their children after King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the opening ceremony in a Tardis with Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy.

 

And Tartan Army World Cup fever was reignited during Callum Beattie’s performance of the Scotland football anthem Yes Sir, I Can Boogie proving there’s no party without Scotland.

 

Families also flocked to Kelvingrove Park Fanzone for all the action on the big screens and a whole host of fun sporting activities for children to enjoy.

 

Stuart Patrick said: “The Glasgow 2026 Organising Company took on a Commonwealth Games at record speed, on a leaner privately funded model and delivered it in full.

“This was a significant achievement, and it tells every investor and event organiser watching that Glasgow can stage a global event and do it well.

 

“Congratulations to the whole team, and to the volunteers, athletes and venues who brought the city to life over 11 days. The value of this will show in the visitors, the investment and the confidence it brings and hope to see the momentum continue.

 

Phil Batty, the man responsible for delivering Glasgow 2026, also praised the city for stepping up when original hosts - the Australian state of Victoria - pulled out.

 

In July 2023 Victoria withdrew from staging the Games due to soaring costs.

 

Batty said their decision to host the Games for the second time in 12 years will never be forgotten. 

He said: “We have created a Games here that will inspire more nations to host but, probably more importantly, that every nation feels it could host at some point in the next 100 years.”

 

Batty added: “I don’t think we can underestimate that the future of the Commonwealth Games was in jeopardy. Glasgow saved the Commonwealth Games but it also reinvented the Commonwealth Games.

 

“This is a really important moment for the movement to become a truly Commonwealth-wide global sporting competition.

 

“Glasgow and Scotland should be incredibly proud, of not what only has happened here but what that means for the whole Commonwealth in the years and decades to come.”

The Glasgow 2026 boss went on to reveal how the Games may develop.

 

A twin nation host in Asia, a multi-island host in the Pacific Islands or a compact multi-venue model could be held in Africa.

 

“This will look different in every edition but, importantly, it will now be designed to the place that is hosting”, added Batty.

 

The Commonwealth flag has officially been passed to India for 2030.

 

Its projected cost is £162.6m compared to £543m for Glasgow 2014 and £680m for Birmingham 2022.