STREET theatre performers helped launch this year's Merchant City Festival.
And organisers have promised the 2012 programme will be the biggest and best yet.
The line up for the July festival includes UK and world premieres as well as specially commissioned performances surrounding the theme of the Olympics.
Even football fans are in for a treat this summer, as the '2012 Experience' will continue until August 3 to cover Glasgow's hosting of eight Olympic football matches at Hampden.
More than 90,000 people attended last year's festival, but this year organisers are determined to top that.
One of the highlights will be The People's Tower – a gigantic cardboard tower which will be constructed by French artist Olivier Grossetete with the help of schools and community groups.
The tower will be built in Brunswick Street.
As part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme, Leaving Limbo Landing, an outdoor production by Caroline Bowdith, will explore stories about settling and journeys. It will be staged in Wilson Street.
Some of the city's most top performers will be showcased on Monday, July 30, at the Evening Times' Glasgow's Star Turn final at the Old Fruitmarket.
The 10 top acts, as voted for by the public, will be judged by celebrity judges Michelle McManus, Catriona Shearer, Dean Park and Sanjeev Kohli.
And, this year, for the first time, there will be a music stage at Glasgow Cathedral Precinct on Saturday July 28.
Audiences will be able to hear traditional Scottish music and songs about the history of Glasgow.
Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and chairman of the Merchant City Festiva, said: "The festival offers 300 events and performances spread across 75 venues.
"The fantastic music, culture and artistic vision on show across the five days are a reflection of the brilliant arts organisations and venues our city has to offer.
The festival runs from Wednesday, July 25, to Sunday, July 29, with the 2012 Experience continuing until 3 August. For more, see www.merchantcityfestival.com
matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk
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