Memorabilia and props from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are being offered for sale in an upcoming auction. The items include elements from the opening ceremony, which featured a 'surreal' segment with King Charles and Queen Camilla traveling in a replica of the Time Lord's Tardis.
Dozens of lots are available, ranging from sports equipment to elaborate stage props. A giant, one-ton teacake used in the ceremony has an estimated sale price of up to £2,000. Also up for auction is a large Loch Ness Monster prop, which appeared on stage with actor Sam Heughan, with an estimated value between £1,000 and £2,000. The auctioneer noted that the Loch Ness Monster prop is stored off-site, and the buyer will be responsible for its collection.
A lectern used by King Charles for his opening speech is expected to fetch between £150 and £250. Various basketballs and netballs, some of which are signed, are available starting at £40.
Other items listed include colourful relay batons, boxing gloves, medal presentation boxes featuring the Games mascot Finnie, and a medal podium. Costumes from the ceremony, such as a sparkling traffic cone, bedazzled unicorn headwear, and dancer outfits, are also part of the sale.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games stepped in after the state of Victoria, Australia, withdrew due to financial concerns. The ceremony was watched by over 800,000 viewers. Although a scaled-down version compared to the 2014 Glasgow Games, the event featured 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in ten core sports and a para-sports program. A total of 1,168 medals were awarded across 215 events, with over 630,000 people attending venues and live sites. The opening ceremony included performances featuring unicorns and a rendition of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie."
Louisa Mahon, the Games' chief marketing and ceremonies officer, recalled the creative process behind the Tardis element, inspired by its Scottish origins and notable Scottish actors who have played the Doctor. The auction is being conducted by Glasgow-based Great Western Auctions, with 173 lots scheduled to go under the hammer on August 20, starting at 1 p.m.