In exactly four months, Glasgow will welcome 3,000 athletes from 74 nations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games — and the city is still looking for people to help make it unforgettable.
While general volunteering applications closed late last year, a brand-new call has gone out for 700 volunteer cast members to take part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the OVO Hydro. It is the first time in Commonwealth Games history that the ceremony will be staged in an arena rather than a stadium, and organisers want Glaswegians at the heart of it.
Applications are open now at glasgow2026.com/casting, with a deadline of 24 April — just one month away. Auditions will take place in Glasgow on 9 and 10 May.
A City That Knows How to Volunteer
Glasgow has form when it comes to Games volunteering. When the city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014, its army of Clydesiders became legendary — none more so than Sarah Quinn, who was handed one of the most extraordinary volunteer assignments in sporting history.
"Everyone around me said enjoy the moment, take it all in, and I honestly cannot emphasise enough — it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life," Quinn recalled of her role at Glasgow 2014, where she helped present medals to athletes including Usain Bolt.
Then there are Nicky and Andy Youl, a Glasgow couple whom the Games' own website describes as "professional volunteers." Between them, the Youls have volunteered at Olympic and Commonwealth Games, World Championships and European Championships across a host of sports over the past 11 years. They have already signed up for Glasgow 2026.
And Dr Julie McElroy — described as "Glasgow's volunteering GOAT" — has lent her time to every major sporting event the city has hosted since 2014, from the Commonwealth Games to World and European Championships in athletics, cycling and para swimming.
What Does Volunteering Actually Involve?
The general volunteer programme recruited more than 3,000 people across 14 role areas. Those who applied last year were taken through an online selection process over December and January, and successful applicants received their role offers in March 2026. Full training will follow in spring, with orientation events where volunteers meet their teams, collect their uniforms and accreditation, and receive their shift schedules.
The 14 role areas span the full breadth of what it takes to run a major sporting event: Accreditation, Accommodation and Team Services, Anti-Doping, Ceremonies, CGA Relations, Media Operations, Protocol, Results Technology Services, Spectator Services, Sport, Sport Presentation and Medal Ceremonies, Technology, Transport, and Workforce.
Volunteers will be deployed across four iconic Glasgow venues: the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, Scotstoun Stadium, the Scottish Event Campus (including the Hydro), and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
No formal qualifications are required. As the organisers put it: "We welcome applications from people from all walks of life and from different backgrounds." Full training is provided for every role.
The Opening Ceremony: Your Chance to Shine
For those who missed the general volunteer window, the Opening Ceremony casting call is the live opportunity. Glasgow 2026 is seeking dancers of all styles, theatre performers, drama students, musicians, singers, drummers — or simply people with enthusiasm and energy.
Louisa Mahon, Glasgow 2026's chief marketing and ceremonies officer, said: "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!"
Roles range from symbolic community moments and welcoming athletes, to high-energy dance numbers, scripted performances and storytelling. The minimum age is 16 and no previous experience is required.
The ceremony is being designed by a team of Glasgow-based creatives: Roxana Cole as show and staging director, Emily Jane Boyle overseeing choreography, and Carole Millar on costume design.
How to Get Involved
If you want to be part of the ceremonies, apply at glasgow2026.com/casting before 24 April. Auditions will be held in Glasgow on 9 and 10 May.
For the latest on tickets, events and all things Glasgow 2026, sign up for updates at glasgow2026.com.
The Games run from 23 July to 2 August, featuring 10 sports and six Para sports. Four months to go. Glasgow is getting ready. The question is: are you?
