IT is one of the city's most popular festive events... and this year the city centre will be transformed into a fairy tale.

Hundreds of performers will take to the streets of Glasgow on Sunday for the return of the Style Mile Carnival.

Tens of thousands of festive shoppers and visitors to the city centre are expected to watch the carnival as it heads from St Enoch Square to George Square.

Leaves St Enoch Square at 2.30pm and making its way through Glasgow City Centre, the procession will arrive at George Square where a Christmas Market will have just opened.

This year's theme is festive fairy tale and dazzling characters are promised to sprinkle their magic dust over the city centre.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Councillor Eva Bolander will be joined by eight-year-old Caleb Miller and family at the head the carnival.

Caleb is raising funds for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Eva Bolander said: “[The Carnival] is a firm family favourite that generates great excitement as it winds its way through the heart of Glasgow.

"The route runs from St Enoch Centre to George Square where the Christmas Markets will open for the first time this year."

Anne Ledgerwood, chairwoman of the City Centre Retail Association, said: “The Style Mile Carnival is a fantastic occasion for the whole family and is a great opportunity to come and enjoy Glasgow’s city centre during the festive season.

"From amazing shops to outstanding restaurants and bars and brilliant entertainment, Glasgow has something for everyone this Christmas.

"This is a great way to get into festive spirit and make a head-start on Christmas shopping.”

George Square comes alive this Christmas with more than 50 traders from across the globe, as well as those from much closer to home, selling artisan products and high quality crafts.

Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place, operators of the Glasgow Christmas market, said: “This year we have worked hard to make the market bigger and better and as inclusive as possible, in addition to all of the favourite offerings we will be hosting tours for people with accessibility issue, we will be hosting an autism friendly day on the December 4 and we have created a quiet room for people who may require it during their visit.

"Glasgow is a great city to visit and a real favourite for our traders."

The market in George Square will be open until 6pm on December 31.

For more information on the carnival and its route and the Christmas Markets see www.glasgowloveschristmas.com or like the Glasgow Loves Christmas facebook page.