HUNDREDS OF revellers gave the Commonwealth Games a big send-off at a sell-out show in Kelvingrove Park.

The party began in the early evening as the sun broke through following earlier torrential rain.

Ticket holders basked in sunshine as they watched the highlights of the day's sporting action on big screens before local groups McOpera Ensemble, Sirens of Titan and the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra took to the bandstand stage.

Mike and Ashlee Lally, who live near the park, had front row seats.

Scaffolder Mike, 28, said: "The atmosphere has been great so far and we have enjoyed the beer too."

Ashlee, 26, who is originally from Georgia, in the US, admitted downpours earlier in the day almost put her off. She said: "It was so wet and I brought a brolly because you can't expect to live in Scotland and not see the rain. Fortunately the sun came out."

Alex and Barbara Craig, of Knightswood, arrived early to get a good seat.

Barbara said: "We know how to throw a party in Glasgow. We got our tickets three weeks ago because we really wanted to be here."

Retired park ranger Alex said: "It's been a great night and the organisers have done so well."

Kelvingrove Park was one of dozens of venues which hosted Festival 2014, a collection of entertainment and culture events during the Commonwealth Games.

Festival programmer Lorraine Wilson, who was at Kelvingrove, said: "We have had an overwhelming response to all of the shows and tonight has been an emotional finale with people of all ages coming out to be part of it."

As darkness fell the closing ceremony began and the crowd watched Kylie Minogue and Deacon Blue on screens at the bandstand.

Andrew and Gail McFarlane, from Bearsden, brought their children Isla, 7, and Angus, 4, to the show.

Gail said: "It's something they'll never forget. We have really enjoyed the Games and when we heard about this, we really wanted to be part of it."

The family was at the opening ceremony and also watched athletics, hockey, rugby and cycling events.

Isla, a pupil at the High School of Glasgow said: "I enjoyed all of it but the cycling was the best."

Angus added: "I liked the running and jumping."

Glasgow Life, an arm's length organisation which looks after the council's parks, organised last night's event at Kelvingrove, selling all 1786 tickets.

Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: "The Games have been phenomenal and Festival 2014 has been right at the heart of our city's welcome to the world."