Now its 61st year, the star-studded Sports Personality of the Year event takes place on Sunday 14 December at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, one of the venues of the Commonwealth Games this summer, writes Donna Richardson.

Seated in the audience at the BBC Sports Personality event Olympic tonight are Olympic silver medallist Gemma Gibbons of Team England with fellow Commonwealth medallists John Buchanan and James Millar from Team Scotland.

The Sports Personality of the Year event is the biggest event in the sporting calendar and this follows the memorable Commonwealth Games in the city in the summer. This hugely anticipated evening features almost three hours of celebration in the arena, looking back at the incredible year of sport and the athletes who made the events so special.

2014 has been another fantastic sporting year, with Scotland at the heart of both the outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles, where Europe’s golfers excelled in their win over the USA. Golf was also in the limelight at The Open in Hoylake which kept fans on the edge of their seats. Huge sporting moments came during a spectacular Winter Olympics in Sochi and a brilliant World Cup in Brazil full of stunning goals.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup in France saw England win the tournament for the first time in 20 years. There has been a nail-biting battle for the Drivers’ Championship in Formula 1, while Wimbledon once again delivered epic drama and rugby union’s Six Nations was decided on the final weekend in dramatic fashion. Hosted by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan, the 2014 Sports Personality of the Year will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD.

Gary Lineker said: “We had such a fantastic time in Glasgow over the summer at the Commonwealth Games and can’t wait to be back to celebrate, not only the Games, but also the many other sporting achievements that have taken place over the year. It’s the perfect way to end what has been an outstanding year in sport and we know that Scotland can certainly host a great celebration.”

The event will include eight awards, which will be presented and received by some of the biggest names in sport, both past and present.

There will also be live music from internationally renowned acts before and during the live broadcast. Last year, the coveted trophy was won by Andy Murray following his historic Wimbledon triumph.

This year’s winner will join a long list of sporting greats who have claimed the trophy before, including; Bobby Moore, Princess Anne, Lord Coe, Daley Thompson, Dame Mary Peters, Torvill and Dean, Liz McColgan, Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Jackie Stewart, David Beckham, Dame Kelly Homes, Andrew Flintoff, Sir Chris Hoy, Jonathan Edwards, Paula Radcliffe, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Ian Black, Zara Phillips and the first winner, Sir Christopher Chataway in 1954.

The programme starts at 8pm and judo Unsung Heroes from London and Scotland will feature in the programme for the coveted top spot.

Enjoy.