This will be best fest yet

A POLISH classical pianist discovered by chance while working as a cleaner at Glasgow University is hoping to win over the crowds at a city arts festival.

A POLISH classical pianist discovered by chance while working as a cleaner at Glasgow University is hoping to win over the crowds at a city arts festival.

Former janitor Aleksander Kudajczyk is among the star attractions at this year's Merchant City Festival, which kicks off today.

The now world-renowned pianist will perform at St Andrew's Cathedral on Friday night.

Now in its seventh year, festival organisers are promising the most eclectic programme yet on the cobbled streets of the city's cultural quarter.

This year's event, which runs until Sunday, will include a glittering charity fashion show, street theatre, stand-up comedy, visual arts and lots of live music.

Brighton-based parkour group Prodigal Theatre will stage gravity defying performances of free running' and workshops in Merchant Square on Saturday afternoon.

Music highlights include performances by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Opera and Perrier Award-winning comedienne Jenny Eclair will be trying out some new material at the Tron Theatre.

The festival will also host the world premiere of the new Ionna Anderson play, Six Acts of Love, starring Scots actress Una McLean.

Elsewhere, former MTV presenter Shantha Roberts is hosting a fashion show in aid of Childine Scotland on Saturday night at Byblos nightclub.

For those looking for love, the Merchant City Festival is offering a speed dating event with a difference.

Participants will enjoy a night of comedy plus a chance to meet like-minded souls in between the laughs at Arta tonight.

And if you do find love, you might fancy a second date on Sunday night as Scotland's best new comedy talent battles it out to be crowned Scottish Comedian of the Year.

BBC Children in Need presenter and award-winning comedian Des Clarke will be introducing the final nine contenders in the nationwide search for the best comedy talent in Scotland.

The festival programme also includes a varied programme of art including exhibitions by Peter Howson, Steven Campbell and Project Ability.

Fans of burlesque queen Dita Von Teese will enjoy a night of dirty dancing at the Byblos club featuring the premiere of specially commissioned choreography by Miss Gypsy Charms.

Corinthian is hosting an evening of film screenings featuring all of last year's Scottish Bafta award winners.

The festival also includes a programme of activities for children, including art and music workshops, storytelling and face painting.

A French market selling a range of goods and produce takes place in Candleriggs from today until Sunday.

The Evening Times is media partner of the four-day festival, which features over 200 events at more than 70 venues.

More than 40,000 people attended last year's event and organisers hope to top that number this year.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, chairman of the festival, said: "There is plenty in the programme, whether you are a regular visitor to the area or have yet to experience the Merchant City's architecture, theatre and concert venues, bars and restaurants."