More than 250,000 people are expected to descend on Glasgow as a cultural and sporting bonanza hits the city.

Along with hosting the European Championships in summer 2018, the city will also put on a major creative festival.

Organisers say the celebrations will be similar to those held in 2014 during the Commonwealth Games, where music, art and sport came together in hundreds of events across the city.

The 2018 events are set to see the city come alive with colour, music, art and sport between August 2 and 12, with around 3000 athletes competing.

George Square is to be the focus of the main cultural festival showcasing the best of Scottish and Glaswegian culture, while the Merchant City festival will also be integrated to form part of the extravaganza.

The European Championships, which are to be staged every four years, will combine the existing championships of athletics, Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon with a new Golf team championship.

Around 1.03billion television viewers from across the globe are expected to tune in to the watch the action live from Glasgow.

The council is to work with the contest’s co-hosts Berlin to highlight the creative talent of both cities in a unique cultural partnership, and local authorities from across the country will also be involved in the celebrations.

Organisers say the programme of events will capitalise on Glasgow’s reputation for culture, and “secure the cultural legacy” of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “The Glasgow 2018 European Championships are a direct legacy of Scotland hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games and The Ryder Cup.

“The Cultural Festival secures the legacy further and ensures Scotland continues to be recognised as a global leader in the delivery of sporting and cultural events.

“EventScotland is proud to be part of the team helping deliver the Championships that will once again show Scotland as the perfect stage for events.”

Dr Bridget McConnell, Chair of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships Board, said: “Glasgow is Scotland’s sporting, creative and cultural powerhouse and we know how to celebrate in style. During the Glasgow 2018 European Championships the city and nation will, once again, come alive with a fantastic celebration of our finest artistic talents. We’re counting down the days until Glasgow shines once more on a global stage.”