THE glitz, the glamour and the dancing teacakes descended on Celtic Park last night for what was the biggest show of the 2014 calendar.

The myths of Nessie and the legends of the Commonwealth Games joined together as comedienne Karen Dunbar and actor John Barrowman heralded the beginning of 11 days of sport and culture with a tale of Scottish heritage ranging from Edinburgh Castle to Irn-Bru.

The Red Arrows may have flown over streaming the colours of the Union Jack into the sky. SuBo, Rod Stewart and Amy McDonald may have taken centre stage - but it was the supporters in the stands who will have no doubt left the biggest impression on the far flung competitors.

As the beaming lights lit up Parkhead in the dark, each nation was greeted with the welcoming cheers they had been promised beforehand.

Norfolk Island, St Lucia and Montserrat were made to feel just as at home as the families glued to the televisions across Scotland, as the sides embraced the cheers and danced to their traditional music being blasted over the tannoys.

However, the biggest eruption of noise on the night was reserved for homecoming crew led by judo hopeful Euan Burton.

The stadium rose to its feet, and with the Welsh squad trickling off, the sense of anticipation gripped the home crowd as their side gathered in the far corner of the stadium.

Kitted out in the traditional attire Burton led his men and women into battle with the Saltire flying high, waving the flag with pride as the squad waved to their adoring crowd.

He said: “When we went in the noise was indescribable and every time we hit a corner it just went up again. If the rest of the Games, is like this it’s going to be something special.” The Scottie dogs, Barrowman’s kiss and Prince Imran’s attempts at opening the baton may have dominated social media but inside the ground nothing looked out of place as the production flowed seamlessly from one act to the next.

But to top it all off the stadium and the Commonwealth joined hand in hand to donate to children's charity UNICEF.

Encouraged by stars such as Sir Chris Hoy, James McAvoy and Ewan McGregor, the stadium came together as one in a touching display of humanity.

The stadium tiers illuminated with the screens of the phones donating to charity, lighting up the pitch black surroundings.

In true Scottish fashion there had been doubts over the ceremony from the very beginning — but from the moment it kicked off you could tell these are the people’s Games.

The roads and pavements leading back to the city centre were lined with people of all nationalities and race, showcasing just how much the Games can bring the world together.

It may have been over seven years since it was confirmed but the time has finally arrived.