GLASGOW’S favourite summer event, the West End Festival, is set to kick off on May 31.

With more than 100 organisations taking part, 350 events in 75 venues across the length and breadth of the west end, the month-long festival has a diverse range of events taking place, from gigs and ceilidhs to exhibitions and school literary workshops.

And there are going to be plenty of food and drink things happening across the area, including exclusive tasting events and plenty for both vegans and carnivores alike.

On June 6, The Bothy is hosting an exclusive Auchentoshan tasting dinner, where punters can enjoy head chef Paddy’s specially-created seasonal menu followed by a free tasting session with sponsors of West End Festival Sunday, Auchentoshan, in the private dining room.

With a drink on arrival, a three-course dinner and three Auchentoshan whisky tasters on offer, this is definitely an unmissable night for food and whisky buffs.

A malt whisky masterclass will take over Glasgow University Union on various dates from June 9. A relaxed evening, passionate experts will help goers explore the history and the many differences that Scottish single malt whisky has to offer.

Hillhead Bookclub is serving up a veggie and vegan fest on June 14 where the venue’s head chef will be serving a special three-course menu paired with vegan beers chosen by beer buffs. In contrast, a meat and beer night will also take place on June 21 where a three-course taster menu will pair together meat dishes with some of the finest craft beers around.

The Grosvenor Café, on Ashton Lane, will be bringing some ‘80s flair with a screening of the highly-entertaining 1988 movie Cocktail starring Tom Cruise. After the film, there will be a makin’ and shakin’ masterclass and flaring demonstration in the café with canapes.

Now in its 23rd year, the West End Festival’s umbrella model still sees event organisers and promoters submitting events from all kinds of interests and communities.

There will be a host of community gala days, with one specifically put together by festival organisers. The closure of Hyndland Street and use of Mansfield Park on June 16 will allow a safe and friendly event to take place featuring a music stage, kids activities and street theatre. The local cafes and restaurants will be opening their doors to everyone and it’ll be an opportunity to enjoy a popular area of the West End.

Michael Dale, festival director, said: “For the first time, we’re excited to have the National Theatre for Scotland performing an outdoor show at the Children’s Wood. In addition, we have some international participants this year, a choir from Alabama and a string quartet from Sweden.

“We also have six ceilidhs, a new cinema at Maryhill Community Hall and Edinburgh Napier University will perform its play of the First World War.”

Head to westendfestival.co.uk to see events and ticket information.