Integrating culture into major sport events

Culture heavily features in Glasgow's major events thanks to the Games
Two musicians, one playing the trumpet and the other playing a drum, performing at Glasgow Green during the Commonwealth Games.

GO LIVE!

Glasgow 2014 was the first time the “live city” model was used for a major event.

GO LIVE! at the Green gave everyone the chance to be involved in the Games through free culture and sport activities.

There were also fan zones at Merchant City and the Kelvingrove Bandstand.

The atmosphere was electric and brought the city to life.

People had the chance to take part in arts and culture or watch comedy, dance, film, and music.

They could also keep up to date with the Games by watching on big screens.

The zones were some of the highlights of Festival 2014.

Glasgow has continued to use this approach at other events. These include the 2018 European Championships, Euro 2020, and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Festival 2014

An aerial view of crowds in front of a large stage at the fan zone in Glasgow Green during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The main stage in Glasgow Green for Festival 2014.
Two people posing in front of a shiny Festival 2014 board at Glasgow Green during the Commonwealth Games.
Two people pose in front of the Festival 2014 sign at Glasgow Green.
People getting their picture taken and looking at a large leaf sculpture of Clyde the mascot at Glasgow Green during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
GO LIVE! at the Green.
Crowds sitting down watching a performance at the Kelvingrove Bandstand during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
A crowd watching a performance at Kelvingrove Bandstand.
People sitting in deck chairs and enjoying the sun in front of the People's Palace in Glasgow Green at the fan zone for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
People enjoy the sun during GO LIVE! at Glasgow Green.

Showcasing Glasgow's events calendar

Glasgow 2014 also highlighted the city's enviable cultural events calendar.

Celtic Connections staged one-off performances at Glasgow Green and the Old Fruitmarket.

The Merchant City Festival (MCF) was also integrated into the 2014 cultural programme.

The success of this led to MCF being part of Festival 2018 during the European Championships.

Glasgow's vibrant festivals continue to play a part in major sports events.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are a perfect example of this.

Find out more below.

Glasgow's festivals feature at Festival 2014

Young dancers performing in Merchant Square as part of cultural activities during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Dancers performing in Merchant Square during Festival 2014.
Street performers in costumes in the Merchant City during Festival 2014 as part of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The 2014 Merchant City Festival.
Performers dancing in front of crowds in the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow as part of Festival 2014 at the Commonwealth Games.
A performance in the Old Fruitmarket during Festival 2014.
Crowds attending the 2014 Merchant City Festival on a sunny day.
People enjoying the Merchant City Festival in 2014.
Young people playing the drums on old barrels as part of the 2014 Merchant City Festival.
Children taking part in activities during the Merchant City Festival.
A street performer cycling through Merchant City in Glasgow on a sunny day as part of the Merchant City Festival at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Performers during the Merchant City Festival as part of Festival 2014.
Musicians performing on the main stage in the George Square fan zone during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Two are sitting playing guitar while one is standing playing double bass and another the keyboard.

Culture during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

Glasgow 2014 has undoubtedly had an impact on how culture features in major sport events.

Click below to take a look at the cultural programme during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Find out more