AFTER 11 days of sporting excellence Glasgow signed off in style with a vibrant Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.
Kylie Mingue and Scottish star Lulu performing at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony[GETTY/REUTERS]The closing ceremony saw everyone, from the athletes to the volunteers, who played a part in the event have their moment in the limelight.
It was kicked off by Scottish superstar Lulu who started the party atmosphere with a vibrant performance of her star-making track Shout.
Athletes who performed at the Games gathered around the stage and danced as the 65-year-old and a trio of dancers began the show on a lively note.
The veteran performer was then followed by Scottish favourites Deacon Blue who sang their hit song Dignity.
During the performance 220 workers from Glasgow Council came into the stadium as they were thanked for their efforts during the Games.
A marching band made of hundreds of performers at the closing ceremony [PA]These have been great Games and, in my view, the stand-out Games in the history of the movement
Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper
The band asked the audience to thank the Clydeside volunteers who had helped out during the Games and were in the crowds surrounding the stage.
A military tattoo then entered the stadium as hundreds of drummers, bagpipers and officials lined up to form a marching band.
The stirring music was cheered loudly by the audience.
Afterwards Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Smith of Kelvin then took to the stage with Commonwealth Games Federation President Prince Imran.
Lord Smith of Kelvin paid tribute to the athletes who “gave it their all” and said the volunteers were the “lifeblood” of the Games.
He said: “No matter who you are or where you are, sport has the power to make you feel part of something bigger.
“That is something we’ve witnessed here in Scotland over the last 11 days.
“We’ve welcomed the world to our dear green place and it has been an experience we will never forget.
“Thank you Glasgow and thank you Scotland. You’ve done us proud.”
Welsh Rhythmic gymnast Francesca Jones was also handed the David Dixon Award by the 69-year-old.
It marks the outstanding athlete of each of the Commonwealth Games and is based on their performance, fair play and overall contribution.
Kylie Minogue wore a sexy outfit as she performed at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremomy [PA]Prince Imran also paid tribute to Team Scotland for their record medal and described Glasgow 2014 as the “best games ever”.
He added: “Glasgow. You were pure dead brilliant.”
City workers were thanked for their efforts during the Commonwealth Games [GETTY]The 46-year-old, who was wearing a sexy corset style dress and black knee high boots, sang a selection of her biggest hit songs.
The superstar performed Spinning Around, Into The Blue, Love At First Sight, All The Lovers, Locomotion, Beautiful and Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.
The sexy singer, who later in her set changed into a white and gold dress, had to at one point deal with a woman trying to invade the stage and perform with her dancers.
But security quickly acted and the unnamed person was swiftly escorted away by officials.
It was a party atmosphere at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony [GETTY]He said: “These have been great Games and, in my view, the stand-out Games in the history of the movement.
“We’re delighted with the Glasgow Games and they’re all very excited about the future of the movement going forward to Gold Coast and beyond.
“We’ve got 37 nations on the medal tally, one more than in Delhi, and that’s a very good outcome for the Games movement. The spirit of these Games has continued to endure.”
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The closing ceremony featured around 2,000 volunteer performers and the mastermind behind the show promised it would have a unique Scottish feel to it.
A proud Scotsman celebrates during the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony [GETTY]“There will even be a moment when around 1,000 people will create a homage to the iconic scene from Bill Forsyth’s 1981 film Gregory’s Girl where the young would-be lovers lie on their backs and dance to the sky.
“It’s going to be an emotional show – a celebration of a job well done, bitter sweet, proud, inclusive, utterly and uniquely Glaswegian but still typically outward looking, generous in spirit and profoundly human.
“Above all it’ll be a great party.”
The Commonwealth Games closing ceremony has been held after 11 days of sporting excellence [SWNS]He said: “This is my fifth Commonwealth Games and it’s the best ever for Scotland and me, and the icing on the cake came when I was told I was going to be carrying the flag in the closing ceremony and lead out 310 great Scottish athletes.
“It’s a dream come true for myself, it’ll be one of the biggest things in my career and I’m just so looking forward to it.”
The Commonwealth Games closing ceremony was held at Hampden Park [SWNS]“This ceremony will be great fun and emotional for everyone in Glasgow and Scotland.
“We want to recognise everyone involved from the athletes and spectators to the city’s workers and volunteers and they will all be represented tomorrow night.
“Everyone will dance and sing and, boy, are they ready to party on Sunday.”
