BUDDING young musicians are being invited to help this year's Merchant City Festival go off with a bang.
Young samba drummers, who have taken part in a three-day workshop, will parade from the City Halls to Brunswick Street to join Salsa Celtica drummer Dougie Hudson on stage with his new band.
Tomorrow's parade will help launch the festival.
City council leader Gordon Matheson, said: "The Merchant City Festival embodies everything I love about Glasgow – it is ambitious, diverse, exciting and fun.
"It provides opportunities for those who think art might not be for them to get involved and give it a go."
The Festival, which runs until Sunday and features 300 events at 75 different venues, kicks-off tomorrow with a free Family Street Party at the 2012 Experience Stage in Brunswick Street, which will run from 12 noon to 3pm.
As well as music and dance events, there will also be a special magic show at the Old Fruitmarket on Friday night.
The full programme is available at www.merchant cityfestival.com