GLASGOW.- Whether it’s the chance to view a stunning 14 metre wide handshake between giant friends, or to experience the thrill of an athlete’s race to glory, Glasgow’s George Square has been transformed into a spectacular playground as the beating heart of the European Championships.

Today sees the unveiling of the striking landmark installation by contemporary artists Joanne Tatham and Tom O’Sullivan in George Square, providing a welcoming entrance to a Square packed with a host of free activities for all the family to enjoy.

Also revealed is the cutting edge technology used in the immersive Beats Per Minute experience which will transport audiences entering the geodesic dome in the Square into the world experienced by the athletes as they undertake their incredible feats of endurance.

Along with a whole host of acts due to entertain the crowds from the large stage, these amazing attractions are at the centre of the Festival 2018 activity in the Square.

Festival 2018 will see hundreds of events with the very best in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, food and much more taking place across Glasgow and Scotland with internationally acclaimed and emerging artists along with young people from throughout the city and beyond starring.

With many of the events free to attend, there will be something for the whole family to enjoy at Festival 2018.

Today is also the first chance to experience Portal – the major public art event in the Clyde Tunnel by Sonica.

Glasgow artist Robbie Thomson invites audiences to experience a subterranean odyssey deep under the River Clyde with mysterious creatures, light sculpture and a haunting new soundtrack by Alex Menzies (aka Alex Smoke).

Artists, arts organisations, community and youth groups and Festival organisers are hard at work putting finishing touches to the incredible range of events taking place.

Daily programmes at George Square and Glasgow Green at GO LIVE! At the Green will be joined by shows at venues big and small, familiar and surprising, throughout Glasgow and across Scotland.

Work has been inspired by the people, places, history and ambitions of Glasgow and Scotland, and international collaborations between Glasgow and Berlin – the co-host for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

Highlights include Citizens of Everywhere! from Douglas Gordon, Jackie Kay, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra; the Civic Canteen tent; a unique circus experience when Extraordinary Bodies present What Am I Worth?; New Order & Other Spaces, which explores the gymnastic body across photography, moving image and installation; a very special concert from Celtic Connections; the Kitchen Garden Food Village on Glasgow Green bringing the best of Scottish food to festival audiences; and one of the city’s most popular annual events, The Merchant City Festival, presenting a special Festival 2018 programme.

The celebrations begin in style on Wednesday 1 August from 4pm in George Square with The Great Big Opening Party starring some of the most famous names in Scottish music today, including Nina Nesbitt, Elephant Sessions, Sacred Paws, C Duncan, and The Ayoub Sisters.

Full programme details are at: www.festival2018glasgow.com

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, said: "It’s exciting to see that Festival 2018 will finally open its doors today. Its inclusive and diverse programme of activity, showcasing the very best of Scottish culture across different art forms, will offer something for everyone.

“Through this culturally excellent and innovative programme, Festival 2018 is the perfect platform to showcase Scotland's talent and strengthen connections – both at home and internationally.

“As we celebrate this Year of Young People and thanks to the digital links between Glasgow and Berlin, the festival will display the work of established and younger artists from Scotland and Germany to wide ranging audiences across Europe, ensuring everyone can have a great time out during the Championships.

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government has played a key role in providing financial support for both the festival and the European Championships. Our expertise in delivering excellent cultural programming and supporting major sporting events is recognised as innovative and world-leading.”