FROM knitting Commonwealth flags to meeting animal athletes - there's something for everyone at the Kelvingrove Bandstand.

And amateur musicians are being given the chance to shine as music bosses search for Glasgow's next big thing.

The newly-refurbished west end arena is to be transformed into a cultural hub during the Commonwealth Games.

Festival 2014 organisers don't want people to just sit back and watch.

They have arranged a packed programme of events where visitors can get involved - and get onstage.

Gerry Lyons, who runs the famous open mic night at Glasgow institution Nice n' Sleazy, is seeking unsigned acts to perform at the bandstand.

He's hoping for acoustic singer-songwriters - or groups of up to three - to send him performance videos.

From the entries he will pick seven to take to the stage on July 28 and perform to an outdoor crowd.

His open mic nights have attracted the likes of Amy McDonald, Paolo Nutini, Brandon Flowers, Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johanssen - to name just a few.

Gerry said: "You could we've been quite international with our clientele over the years - the night attracts a pretty crowd.

"Some of the performers who have come along to Sleazy's have gone on to great things so you just never know what's round the corner or who's going to be in the crowd watching you.

"This is a great opportunity for singers to get themselves known."

Gerry is also bringing BeBop Bairns to the bandstand: a music event for children. From toddlers to young teens, Gerry encourages youngsters to get up on stage and show off their party piece.

The bandstand is open for children every day from 10am with events beginning at 10.30am.

Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra will be taking over on July 24 while Games mascot Clyde will be on hand to meet and greet youngsters on July 24, 25, 27 and 31.

Brass Jaw jazz music workshop for kids - part of a jazz day at the Bandstand - will be hosted by Carmen Pieraccini of River City.

Animal Athletes will take to the stage on July 26 and August 1, seeing the RSPB deliver workshops for kids on the animals of the Commonwealth.

Adults can get active too - on July 29 there will be a Bandstand Big Knit.

People can take their knitting along and sit together while there will also be teachers on hand.

Organisers will supply wool and needles: you can knit for a while then someone else can pick up from where you left off.

Glasgow Senior Citizens Orchestra is performing on the same day before a film from artist Janie Nicol about local Lawn Bowls groups.

While the knitting is still going on there will be archive footage of the city and its parks, from the Scottish Screen Archive.

And choirs are invited to get in touch to take part in the Big Big Sing at the Bandstand on July 30.

For those who'd rather sit back and be entertained there will be a Comedy Gala event with Fred Macaulay, a day of vintage inspired music and film, including a classic silent film with live musicians, and authors like Christopher Brookmyre and Zoe Strachan writing new pieces for the Bandstand and coming to read them aloud.

Plus, there will be a trilogy of films from director Bill Forsyth, including Gregory's Girl, and musicians like Belle and Sebastian, Lulu, James Grant, Roddy Hart, James Yorkston, The Bill Fleming Quartet, Breabach, Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra and McOpera Ensemble all coming to perform.

Festival producer Lorraine Wilson said: "Kelvingrove Bandstand holds a special place in the hearts of Glasgwegians, especially those who have grown up or lived in the West End, and Festival 2014 is a fantastic opportunity to place it back into the heart of the community.

"We've got 12 days of music, comedy, film, visual art, spoken word, and children's events starting at 10.30am every day, most of which are completely free.

"So just turn up with friends and family to relax, watch, listen, laugh or take part.

"If the bandstand had a roof it would well and truly be raised."

l To be in with a chance of performing at the Kelvingrove Bandstand send Youtube clips of your performance to kgbandstand@yahoo.co.uk

l To see the full programme view publications. glasgowlife.org.uk/arts/2014-Festival-Brochure/