Co-ordinated approach agreed for Glasgow 2014 Ceremonies, Cultural Programme and Queen's Baton Relay
Published by Anne Marie Hughes on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:11
Glasgow 2014's landmark Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Cultural Programme and Queen's Baton Relay will be delivered in a seamless and consistent creative approach for the first time which promotes both Glasgow and Scotland to the world.
The coordinated approach will deliver an unforgettable experience of the nation and city in the lead up to and during the Games. Recognising the importance of this programme, the Glasgow 2014 Board has tasked Board Member Eileen Gallagher OBE to Chair a Ceremonies, Culture and Queen's Baton Relay Steering Group.
With the Opening Ceremony on 23 July 2014 at Celtic Park expected to attract an international television audience of more than one billion, Glasgow has an opportunity to make a lasting impact across the world. This memorable experience will be replicated at the Closing Ceremony at Hampden Stadium 11 days later.
The 2014 Cultural Programme will build on Glasgow and Scotland's reputation as a home of world class performance, culture, collections, art and architecture. The Queen's Baton Relay will visit the 71 countries, nations and territories of the Commonwealth, building the excitement and enthusiasm for Glasgow 2014. As well as sharing the passion for the Games, the Relay will provide a showcase for Scottish business and trade across the Commonwealth, providing a boost for the economy.
Glasgow Life will, through Glasgow City Council, work on this programme with the Organising Committee, building on the successful experience of managing the outstanding Flag Handover Ceremony at Delhi 2010. This dynamic showcase highlighted both modern and traditional aspects of Glasgow and Scotland's heritage with the involvement of 352 volunteer performers from all of Scotland's 32 local authority areas.
In addition to the existing experience within Glasgow Life, a global search for a creative team to lead on the production of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be launched in the coming weeks.
Lord Smith, Chair of Glasgow 2014, said:
"In less than three years, all eyes will be on Glasgow and this is a unique opportunity for us to showcase the city and Scotland to both the Commonwealth and the world.
"In Eileen, we have the creative skills, vision and drive to oversee the creation of a breathtaking events that will not only generate excitement about Glasgow 2014 at home and abroad, but will ensure a memorable experience of the Games and Scotland."
Eileen Gallagher OBE, Glasgow 2014 Board Member and Chair of the Ceremonies, Culture and Queen's Baton Relay Steering Group said:
"This is an outstanding opportunity to create a Cultural Programme and Opening and Closing ceremonies which will live long in the memory. While we will look to the world for the best creative talent, we will also be working with both local and national government and other bodies from across Scotland to ensure the ceremonies are truly representative of all the talents this proud nation lays claim to.
"The model for Delhi 2010 was hugely successful and we're confident that the Games Partners have the experience and passion to deliver a fantastic Cultural Programme around the Games - and spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies."
Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, said:
"The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that Glasgow and Scotland has to offer, as well as securing a lasting legacy. The Steering Group led by Eileen Gallagher has an important role to play in ensuring the delivery of a memorable Cultural Programme across the whole of Scotland. This will complement a sporting spectacle that I am sure will be remembered for years to come."
Glasgow City Council Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games, Archie Graham said:
"One of the great memories of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games was the fantastic Handover Ceremony which showcased what Glasgow can do in front of a global audience. Following from that model, I'm sure Glasgow will deliver memorable Opening and Closing Ceremonies in 2014.
"The Cultural Programme and Queen's Baton Relay are vitally important parts of the whole Games experience, so I am delighted by the decision to coordinate all of these components. I look forward to an outstanding series of events."
Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, Michael Cavanagh said:
"We welcome today's announcement that will ensure there is a specific focus on the ceremonies and cultural events associated with the Games. It is vital that the Opening and Closing ceremonies balance a spectacular visual experience for spectators and television viewers across the Commonwealth, with the performance and welfare needs of the athletes as they prepare to compete. Given Glasgow Life's extensive experience in organising sport as well as cultural events I am sure this will be the case.
"The Queen's Baton Relay is also an exciting opportunity for athletes past, present and future to take part, showcasing the local sporting heroes in every community across Scotland."
