Glasgow 2014 organisers launched the search for Ceremonies cast members back in January with six months to go and around 2,000 of those will be involved in the Opening Ceremony that will be created and produced by events company Jack Morton Worldwide, who also did the Ceremonies for Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006.

They also worked on the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Rehearsals have been taking place at locations across Glasgow with the cast being taught the carefully choreographed routines overseen by director of Jack Morton Public Events and head of ceremonies and artistic director at Glasgow 2014, David Zolkwer.

"Our goal has always been to have the people of Glasgow and Scotland take centre-stage; for them to speak - and sing and dance - for themselves," said Zolkwer.

"So, on the night our audience will witness thousands of real people doing extraordinary things - and in the process I know our volunteer cast performers will do themselves, the city and Scotland proud."

The Glasgow 2014 Ceremonies cast are put through their paces ©Glasgow 2014



Details of the Opening Ceremony are being kept under wraps but organisers are promising a night that will surprise and delight and be uniquely Glaswegian and Scottish.

Around 40,000 people are expected to attend Celtic Park, while a global audience of more than one billion is expected to tune in for the event.

"The Ceremonies cast will represent Glasgow and Scotland at the heart of the Opening Ceremony," said independent director on the Glasgow 2014 Board Eileen Gallagher.

"They are working very hard with the globally recognised team creating the ceremonies to showcase the host city and nation and get the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games off to a flying start.

"The Celtic Park stage is almost set for the cast who are on the journey of a lifetime towards an unforgettable night for them and for everyone who sees the Opening Ceremony."

The Opening Ceremony will feature a near 100 metre wide and 11m high LED screen erected in front of the South Stand at Celtic Park to broadcast images on the night.

A huge LED screen will provide a spectacular backdrop to the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony at Celtic Park on July 23 ©Glasgow 2014



Last month, organisers announced a UNICEF campaign will be featured on the night showing special films recorded by the likes of Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Alex Ferguson and Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulker, aimed at raising funds for projects being run across Commonwealth countries.

As well as the Opening Ceremony, preparations and rehearsals are also taking place for the Closing Ceremony of the Games due to take place at Hampden Park on August 3.

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