What's going on at Glasgow's Merchant City Festival?

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.