RIVERSIDE Museum has marked its fifth birthday - and five million visitors.

The £74million attraction is currently ranked as the second most popular attraction in Glasgow, the fifth most popular in Scotland.

To celebrate milestone, Glasgow's award winning transport museum has launched a summer programme of events.

Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life said: “Riverside has been an outstanding success which has vastly increased the number of people visiting Glasgow’s acclaimed transport collection. "That success is mirrored by the ever-growing number of awards that this exciting and innovative Glasgow attraction receives.

"The addition of Riverside to the Glasgow skyline has helped ensure the city’s position as the cultural capital of Scotland.

“I’m confident the diverse events programme announced today will ensure many people add Riverside to their list of must-see attractions this summer.

"Who can resist the opportunity to kick off their shoes and wriggle their toes in the sand at the ever-popular beach, just one of a host of things happening at Riverside this summer.”

Starting on June 25, the summer programme will kick off with Out Of Africa, curated by Adebimpe Ademosu of Riverside Museum.

She said: “Local population data showed a strong increase in the number of people from the African community living close to the museum.

"We are keen to celebrate African culture at Riverside and share the music, dance, food and fashion popular with that community with a wider audience.

“Local musicians, dancers and those who can create a culinary masterpiece will come together on Saturday to showcase their culture at our Out of Africa event.

"With upbeat tunes, dazzling colours and tempting aromas it promises to be a delight for the sense.

"We hope many people from all communities will come and enjoy the day.”

The free event will take place on Saturday, June 25 from noon until 4pm.

Every hour on the hour, local musicians will play African drums and invite visitors to join them in dance.

People can taste and try Nigerian food cooked up by the African Women’s Empowerment Agency.

Children can learn basic bead making skills and enjoy traditional printing techniques and local craftspeople will demonstrate how to make traditional fashion accessories, which will then be on sale.

The hugely popular beach will also open for the season, with giant deckchairs and beach sports.

Later this summer Riverside will participate in Ignition, billed as Glasgow’s festival of motoring and the Festival of Wheels, which will see three weekends dedicated to people-powered methods of transport, including skateboarding, roller-blading and bmx-ing.

Throughout the previous five years Riverside has continued to attract an increasing number of visitors year on year, welcoming in excess of 1.1m people in 2015 - an increase of 7.8%.

For more information see www.glasgowmuseums.com