THE first major international gymnastics event in the Emirates Arena has set a new Glasgow record.

The 2012 Glasgow World Cup Gymnastics on December 8 has sold out, with almost 5000 people set to pack the venue.

And Beth Tweddle, Britain's most successful gymnast of all time, was getting ready to switch on the city's Christmas lights as the news was revealed.

She will also be cheering on her fellow GB team-mates at the first World Cup in the new £113million Emirates Arena.

Ticket sales have smashed all previous attendance records for gymnastic events in the city. Last year's World Cup at Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena sold 2800 tickets over two sessions.

Beth, a three-time world champion who won bronze in the uneven bars in the London Olympics, said after touring the venue: "The World Cup is shaping up to be incredible. To sell out almost a month in advance shows a real passion for sport in Glasgow. The city is always a special place to compete and the Emirates Arena is going to be a fantastic venue for gymnastics.

"Coming on the back of the high of the 2012 Olympic Games, the World Cup promises to be an incredible day and fans are in for a genuinely world-class competition."

Glasgow Life chairman Archie Graham said: "Event after event at our stunning new Emirates Arena has sold out as we again show why we are one of the world's great sporting cities and Scotland's sporting capital. It will take gymnastics in the city to a new level."

After her tour of the arena Beth joined Lord Provost Sadie Docherty in George Square for the big switch-on.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk