FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Lord Provost Eva Bolander and singer Tom Urie are some of the well known faces joining this year's Govanhill Carnival.

The event, officially the Govanhill International Festival and Carnival, is running for the second year, and will be officially launched by Ms Bolander on Friday.

Ms Sturgeon will address the Carnival's Concert in Queen's Park on Saturday and the programme of music, dance, film, theatre, lectures and guided tours will run until August 26.

The Festival and Carnival is organised by Govanhill Baths Community Trust.

Fatima Uygun, Manager of the Trust, said: “There really is something for all people of all ages.

"Whether you live in Govanhill or not, you’ll find a community bursting with culture and history at the Festival.”

Last year's parade and carnival drew more than 1300 people with 45 community groups and organisations participating.

This year there will be events such as explorations of the Jewish and Roma communities in Govanhill, to a Kite Festival and a concert of peace songs led by actor Tom Urie.

Organisers said the key aim of the Carnival is to combat division and racism while celebrating the uniqueness and the many strengths of Govanhill.

This year the event has grown into an 11-day showcase of the rich diversity of the area, which is home to more than 40 nationalities speaking more than 60 languages.

Fatima added: “We have worked really hard to make this Festival as accessible and family-friendly as possible, with many events free.”

Joining the Festival again is Roots Rock Reggae Against Racism, which works with communities in Glasgow using music to counter racism.

Veteran music producer Adrian Sherwood - who has worked with Primal Scream, Depeche Mode, Asian Dub Foundation - will perform for this project at the Festival.

The Festival and Carnival programme is available to view at www.govanhillbaths.com/carnival