2025 Island Games getting underway in Orkney

Opening ceremony to be held at Bignold Park tonight (12 July)

The 2025 International Island Games are officially getting underway in Orkney today.

Team Isle of Man will join fellow Island nations at the opening ceremony later.

Over 1,600 athletes from 24 Island nations are expected to start arriving at Bignold Park - the location for this evening's opening ceremony - from around 4pm before the ceremony itself begins at round 5pm.

Afterwards, the athletes will take part in a parade from Bignold Park down to St Magnus Cathedral near the centre of Kirkwall.

Several forms of entertainment are also being offered along the parade this afternoon, including the like of local dance groups whilst the Stromness pipe band will lead the procession.

The ceremony - like the sporting events throughout the games which run until Friday, 18 July - will be free to attend for all on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The sporting action will begin from Sunday, 13 July - you can view the competition schedule for the games HERE.