THOUSANDS of sunseekers flocked to city green spaces on day one of Glasgow's sporting extravaganza.

Revellers soaked up the sun in George Square and tucked into picnics on the grass while bagpipes played in the background.

Others waited patiently to pick up tickets for Games events in queues which snaked around the square.

Helen Norris, from Yorkhill, who was relaxing in the sun in the square, said: "I think everyone has been very welcome here.

"We Glaswegians have got a great reputation for being welcoming.

"The city's absolutely buzzing right now, a great atmosphere..

The 45-year-old added: "I'm glad the sun has been shining too, and it's been great for the city and Scotland and in general."

Everyone enjoyed the festival atmosphere, which filtered through to nearby Merchant City which is staging its own festival extravaganza.

Hordes of people lined the streets and crammed on to sun terraces, while smells of cooking and cheers of excitement drifted through the streets.

Families enjoyed cycle rides and those taking a break from the scorching heat cooled off in Merchant Square, where they could watch live Games events been shown on a big screen.

Laura Barrfield, a 27-year-old doctor from Manchester, was enjoying some time off before starting her role as a volunteer Games medic at the Kelvingrove lawn bowls.

She said: "I'm just getting a feel for the city and enjoying the lovely weather.

"I loved the opening ceremony last night, especially the little Scottie dogs and the fireworks, which I could see from my house.

"I love all the different foods, it's very multicultural here.

"Glasgow's really showing itself to the world in the sunshine."

David Noon, a 30-year-old pharmacist from Kilmarnock, had visited Glasgow Green with his family earlier in the day and said it was "packed" from the morning.

He had joined hundreds of others in the Live Zone, watching events and trying out some of the activities on offer.

"It was brilliant down there, with the Green Zone with a big stage and events happening on that all day," he said.

"They have bands and Michelle McManus was down there too.

"They have a thing where you can race Usain Bolt as well - not the real one, but you race against a computer and see how fast you are.

"It was great and such a good atmosphere."

hannah.rodger@eveningtimes.co.uk