One of the most colourful events in the festivals diary gets under way in the streets of Glasgow on Thursday.
Like everything else, the four-day Merchant City Festival has been scaled back to ensure it’s Covid-safe, but there’s still lots to see and do.
Ticketed seating areas will be set up outside bars and cafes in a bid to support local businesses.
Here’s your guide to some of the highlights:
Carnival Party: July 8 – 4-8pm
A Baroque Venetian Carnival extravaganza, complete with stilt walkers and dancers, will entertain spectators in Hutcheson Street, Brunswick Street, Wilson Street, Candleriggs and Bell Street.
Swings (All or Nothing Aerial): July 9-11 – 11am, 2pm and 4.30pm – George Square
Aerialists swing, climb and perform stunts for 15 minutes – and any daredevils who fancy a go can take on a 5m-high swing set.
Surge Festival: July 10 and 11 – 12.30pm – Barrowland Park
An hour-and-a-half of weird and wonderful performances and activities, including cabaret acts and nest building.
Walking tour ‘In the City Still’: July 10 and 11 – 12pm and 3.15pm (£5)
From the starting point of the City Hall Stage Door at 87 Albion Street, Feathers Ensemble will use movement, music and projections to create an interactive and “thought-provoking” tour.
More information on performances and ticket details are available here.
