Ian, accompanied by his wife Fay, will be attending the spectacular opening ceremony at the OVO Hydro before reporting from the basketball competition on day one of the Games.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were created following an extraordinary rescue effort after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as host in 2023 because of escalating costs. Rather than see the event cancelled, Glasgow stepped in to deliver a streamlined and financially sustainable version of the Games, making use of the city’s existing world-class sporting venues and experience from hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The reimagined Games will take place over 11 days, from 23rd July to 2nd August, bringing together around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.
Competition has been condensed into 10 sports across venues located within an eight-mile corridor of Glasgow, including the OVO Hydro, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Scotstoun Stadium and the Scottish Events Campus. Para sport will once again sit alongside able-bodied competition throughout the Games, reflecting the Commonwealth Games’ long-standing commitment to inclusion.
The opening ceremony will also make history as the first Commonwealth Games opening ceremony to be held entirely indoors. Headlined by Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, the ceremony will also feature performances from Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, Nathan Evans, Saint PHNX and electronic folk duo Valtos.
Their Majesties The King and Queen are due to attend, with The King officially declaring the Games open after reading the message placed inside the King’s Baton when he launched the Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace in March 2025. The relay has travelled through all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories over 500 days, the longest relay in the event’s history.
Looking ahead to the occasion, Ian Howard said:
“I am looking forward to taking in the excitement of a major sporting event, including the colour and vibrancy of the opening ceremony.
“Glasgow has really stepped up to provide a venue for the Games at short notice and on a budget not reliant on government spending.
“Congratulations to all involved in the organising committee.”
Swindon24 will be bringing readers updates, photographs and reaction from Glasgow throughout the opening day, followed by coverage from inside the basketball arena as the Games get underway.
