HUNDREDS of people stared in wonder as they experienced the first official day of The Electric Gardens.

The Botanic Gardens were transformed into a sound and light spectacular by the West End Festival.

Normally closed in the winter months from 5pm, the Botanic Gardens was opened to ticket buyers of The Electric Gardens and participants had the chance to explore the Gardens at night.

5,000 tickets have been sold so far for new event and organisers are hopeful for the sales to increase now the event has opened.

Around 40% of the ticket sales are outwith Glasgow.

Weekends are selling quickly with the majority of time slots for tonight sold out and other weekends are similarly busy.

The event offers visitors the chance to explore secret nooks and fun stopping points along the atmospheric walk. Visitors can watch live performers, dance along to the musical accompaniment at the large disco ball and speak, dance or scream into a microphone to wake the interactive spider and see how a range of noises make the spider's web come to life in different ways.

Michael Dale, festival director, said; "We're really pleased with the reaction we've had so far, and we're excited for the busy opening weekend ahead of us.

"Unless there is hazardous weather, the event will take place as planned, each night.

"We've been careful to make sure that everything we have set up is waterproof, so the show goes on regardless.

"The only thing left to do is to dress for the weather."

Tickets are available to buy on the night at Oran Mor from 3pm onwards, at the bar, for sessions that still have availability.

Two competitions are running throughout The Electric Gardens. An amateur photography competition1 and a children's drawing competition2.

Ticket prices for the event are £10 for adults, £8 for children or £30 for a family ticket (for 4). It should also be noted that ticket sales for the same day stop online at 3pm.

Tickets can be purchased online at westendfestival.co.uk or by calling 0333 666 3366.