The programme for the Merchant City Festival which will feature nine days of dance, comedy, music and drama has been unveiled.

One of the highlights this year will be a Brazilian/Caribbean carnival bringing together artists and groups from around the world.

Opera will be staged in Sloans Bar and performers from the Edinburgh Fringe will give previews of their acts.

X-Factor winner Matt Cardle will take to the stage, there will be performances from the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and The Penman Jazzmen.

The festival will also include a celebration of the music of David Bowie and Roxy Music, a vintage car boot sale, tea dance and a Charleston brunch.

The top floor of a Duke Street car park will become the venue for a new dance work, Aerial Edge return with a new circus show and Pop Up Duets will appear in bars and cafes across the Merchant City.

There will be family storytelling in the Tron Theatre, building balloon powered classic cars, open days at Greyfriars Garden and Artcamp from Catelonia.

Councillor Philip Braat, chairman of the Merchant City Festival committee said: “The Merchant City Festival programme is packed full of top quality performances, workshops and events as well as a huge programme of live music, comedy, street theatre and much more.

“The festival has become firmly established in Glasgow and Scotland’s cultural calendar and with a high quality programme and top class acts and performers coming in 2016, its reputation will be enhanced still further.”

VisitScotland regional partnerships director Liz Buchanan said the festival celebrates the diversity, vibrancy, fun and excitement of the city.

She added: “This year’s nine day event looks set to be even bigger and better than ever, featuring a packed programme of superb and diverse entertainment encompassing fashion, visual arts and music to food and drink and family activities.

“Fabulous Scottish creativity and originality underpin this year’s festival and we were delighted to provide support through our Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 evens fund to ensure there are lots of opportunities to celebrate Glasgow’s love of style and design.

This year the festival kicks off on July 30 and runs until August 7. Full information can be found at www.merchantcityfestival.com