Glasgow 2014: Search on for Games ceremony volunteers

Glasgow 2014 board director Eileen Gallagher launches the talent search

A recruitment drive has been launched to find 3,000 volunteers to take part in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games.

Organiser, Glasgow 2014, wants "genuine and enthusiastic" people for the events at Celtic Park and Hampden.

Both ceremonies will be seen by a potential global TV audience of more than one billion people.

Applications to be part of the cast will be accepted until 14 February. Auditions will take place in March.

The talent search was launched with exactly six months to go until the games begins.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: "The opening and closing ceremonies of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be a moment for Glasgow and Scotland to shine brightly on the global stage, demonstrating the genuine passion and enthusiasm the host city and country have for the Games.

No experience needed

"This is about showcasing the very best of a city and a nation to an international audience and how better to do that than through the enthusiasm and passion of its people."

On 23 July, the opening ceremony will officially launch the start of Scotland's biggest ever festival of sport and culture.

Dancer Hollie Gallagher took part in the launch of the talent search

Applications to be part of the cast, which covers both ceremonies and some elements which will be pre-recorded, have now opened.

All mass cast places are voluntary and no previous experience is required, but applicants must be aged 18 or over by 1 March this year.

They must be available to attend auditions in Glasgow and to rehearse and attend the performance.

'Special moment'

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "2014 is Scotland's year to shine. Auditioning to take part in the opening and closing ceremonies at the games will give people the chance to take a break from the every day and potentially be part of a special moment.

"Whether from the host city or further afield, I hope aspiring performers of all ages will take the chance to be part of the cast, to represent Glasgow and Scotland, and to give a warm welcome to the world."

Glasgow City Council depute leader Councillor Archie Graham said: "The eyes of the world will be on Glasgow during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games and we want people from all walks of life to take centre stage.

"We are going to put on a show that will have the people of Glasgow and Scotland at its very heart. Our people are Glasgow's biggest asset and that will shine through during the ceremonies."

Online application forms are available on the Glasgow 2014 website.