Even Australian steeplechaser Genevieve LaCaze managing to get on stage during the performance by Kylie Minogue before being taken away by security, failed to take the gloss off the evening. 

Taking place in an arena that had been rapidly transformed since the final day of athletics action last night, the two-hour show continued in a similar vein to the Opening Ceremony.

Aptly entitled "Back to Ours" by director David Zolkwer, it perhaps struggled to hit the same heights seen at Celtic Park, but still encapsulated the laid back and harmonious qualities that the "Friendly Games" try so hard to fulfill, as well as some uniquely Scottish values. 

It begin with a thunderous segment acknowledging all the athletes, volunteers and workforce to the sound of Glaswegian singer Lulu before a party-like finale headlined by a typically exuberant performance by Kylie Minogue.

The Games were then officially declared closed by the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, vice-patron of the CGF.

Kylie Minogue performed many of her greatest hits to headline the party-like finale of the Ceremony ©Getty Images



In between all of this came more serious moments, including the passing of the Commonwealth Flag to representatives from Gold Coast 2018, as well speeches from Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Smith of Kelvin and Prince Imran.

With similar enthusiasm but more success than when he struggled to open the Queen's Baton last week, the Malaysian Prince played to the crowd by praising all of the contributors to the Games - including athletes, spectators and volunteers -  before delivering his verdict.

"The Commonwealth Games are known as the Friendly Games," he said.

"These have been more than that, they have truly been the peoples' Games.

"Glasgow, it is a job well done, you have delivered the best Games ever,

"Pure, dead brilliant."

Similar sentiments were reiterated by Smith, who reminded the crowd how "we asked you to bring it on, and you delivered", before highlighting a legacy for Scotland that "can be seen all around us".

Prince Imran then handed the David Dixon Award, named after the former honorary secretary of the CWF and honouring "monumental contributions to Commonwealth sport", to Welsh rhythmic gymnast Francesca Jones, who won six medals during the Games.

The Commonwealth Flag was then passed to Gold Coast to mark the transition to the next edition of the Games in 1,340 days time.

Prince Imran hands over the CGF Flag to Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate ©Getty Images



After a Games here that has thoroughly embraced Scottish symbols, such as bagpipes, haggis, whisky and the kilt, Gold Coast's segment suggested that the next edition will follow in a similar vein. 

Jessica Mauboy, one of Australia's most successful female artists, introduced the Queensland city, before appearances by world champion surfer Mike Fanning and Olympic and Commonwealth 100 metre hurdles champion, Sally Pearson, who highlighted the sun, surf and beach culture of the city that so inspired them.

After emphasising how Glasgow had set the bar high, Queensland Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, declared that Gold Coast 2018 will prove "anything is possible". 

This immediately conjured memories of the success of Sydney 2000, with the subsequent appearance of Kylie, who famously sang in the Closing Ceremony of those Olympic Games, only adding to this feeling.

The 46-year-old from Melbourne belted out many of her best known songs, including "Spinning Around," "Love at First Sight" and "Can't Get You Out of My Head".

LaCaze, who is from the Gold Coast and was celebrating her 25th birthday, finished fifth in the final of the 3,000 metres steeplechase earlier in the Games. 

She leapt on stage during superstar's performance, clutching a miniature Australian flag while dancing alongside the dancers until she was removed by staff.

LaCaze was on stage for more than minute. 

Australian steeplechaser Genevieve LaCaze managed to get on stage during Kylie Minogue's segment of the Closing Ceremony before being removed by security staff ©Getty Images

"The opportunity to dance with Kylie Minogue doesn't come around every lifetime, so I took it," LaCaze told Brisbane radio station B105 while on a bus returning to the Athletes' Village.

"I just wanted a little bit of claim to fame. I wanted a little bit of TV time.

"I am turning 25, so why not.

"I'll just embrace it while I haven't gotten in trouble yet.

"I could have grabbed the microphone and shown a little bit of vocals but I don't know how talented I am in that area."

A Scottish feeling also remained throughout her performance, which featured a celidh danced routine based around a thoroughly Scottish "Love Story".

And the host nation was also evoked during the closing segment, when Kylie, along with Scottish singer songwriter, Dougie MacLean and members of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, joined in a rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" to declare the Games over once and for all.

The only salutary moment was provided when Australian athletes appeared to be forcibly escorted off the stage when attempting to join in with Minogue's performance.