The Glasgow 2026 Festival came to a close yesterday after ten weeks of cultural, sporting and community activity across the city. More than 500 events took place in all 23 Glasgow wards, delivered by artists, community groups, sports clubs and cultural organisations.

Through the £1.25 million Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund, 161 organisations received support to create projects, performances and activities inspired by the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The programme featured major public artworks, many of which examined Scotland’s relationship with the empire and the Commonwealth. These included Emer Tumilty's The Glasgow Rose, suspended from the Finnieston Crane during the Games; Turner Prize winner Jasleen Kaur's Superstructure; and Liquid Land, the first European solo exhibition by Jasmine Togo-Brisby, which attracted more than 28,000 visitors. The programme also enhanced editions of Glasgow International Festival of Contemporary Art, Glasgow Mela and the Merchant City Festival.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and City Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations said: “Delivering the Glasgow 2026 Festival in partnership with Glasgow 2026, thanks to funding from Commonwealth Sport, has provided a key opportunity for our communities to engage with the Games.

“With signature art commissions like Jasleen Kaur’s ‘Superstructure’, The Glasgow Rose and more than 113,000 people experiencing the diversity and vibrancy of the Merchant City Festival alongside the sport competition, there has been a seamless blend of sport and culture for everyone to enjoy.

“The Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund, which supported more than 500 projects and events, has been a true living showcase of culture, sport and community participation at its best, which has enabled so many people across the city to connect with the Games. This has undoubtedly created memorable experiences that will stay with people long after the last medals were awarded and sets a new benchmark for our future festival ambitions.”

The citywide programme was developed and delivered by Glasgow Life in collaboration with Glasgow 2026 and formed part of the cultural celebrations surrounding the reimagined Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.