The European Championships have kicked off with an opening party in Glasgow's city centre.

The Great Big Opening Party has transformed George Square into a "spectacular playground".

On Wednesday afternoon the winner's trophy was unveiled, which will be awarded to the country that receives the most gold medals.

Featuring performances by Nina Nesbitt, The Ayoub Sisters and C Duncan, the party is the first of a number of cultural events taking place over the next few weeks to celebrate the inaugural European Championships.

The acts are to be joined by Glasgow-based street theatre company Mischief La Bas, Bonnie the mascot's own Splashmob, and the Nevis Ensemble - a 40-piece pop up orchestra.

Rounding off the show will be the award-winning Neo-trad quintet, Elephant Sessions, who are swapping Glastonbury for George Square.

Scottish food and drink will also be on offer at the launch party for the Championships, which is being jointly hosted by Glasgow and Berlin.

The 11-day competition will span 12 venues including sites outside Glasgow - with open water swimming at Loch Lomond, triathlon at Strathclyde Country Park, golf at Gleneagles and diving in Edinburgh.

More than 3000 athletes will travel to Scotland, some of whom have already arrived, along with favourite Olympic and Commonwealth stars such as swimmer Adam Peaty and gymnast Max Whitlock.

Athletes from 52 countries will compete for 152 medals across Scotland, while a further 1500 athletes will compete in Berlin.

The sporting events will officially begin on Thursday, with track cycling, rowing and artistic gymnastics, and will run until August 12.

The Championships will end with a special closing concert in George Square by Celtic Connections.

Glasgow 2018 Championships director, Colin Hartley, said: "Glasgow and Scotland will come alive during the European Championships and with excitement reaching fever pitch, we're ready to deliver not only an incredible festival of sport and culture, but a welcome that people will never forget.

"Co-hosting with Berlin where the athletics will take place, Glasgow 2018 - like Glasgow 2014 before it - is an exceptional opportunity to showcase our world-class event credentials and unrivalled hospitality to a global audience."