GLASGOW fans of all things Italian are gearing themselves up for a massive, two-day festival in the City Centre.

Coinciding with Italian National Day, Glasgow will host an authentic Sagra Italiana, the likes of which Scotland “has never seen before,” say organisers.

In Italy, Sagra is a local festival characterised by community tradition, live music and - most importantly - plenty of food and drink, and Italy sees thousands of sagre taking place over the summer period.

Glasgow’s Sagra Italiana - set to take place in George Square this weekend - will be a celebration of Scotland’s love of Italy.

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The spirit of the weekend will be to gather people of all generations, Italians, Scots, Italo-Scots, tourists, Italophiles and foodies to celebrate Italy in the city.

Sagra Italiana will boast fun for all the family with a “pesca di beneficenza” or “charity fishing,” live music, pop-up theatre and children’s activities.

The focal point, however, will be the food, and George Square will see stalls from restaurants across the city serving up their finest dishes, including Catch Fish and Chips, Celino’s, Toni’s Pizzeria, Riva Restaurants and many more who will be dishing out pizza and pasta, with unlimited prosecco and beer.

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There will also be an aperitivo bar and demonstrations to help inspire diners’ Italian cuisine.

One of the organisers behind the event said: “We love all things Italian and Sagra Italiana will see many Italian restaurants from across the country come together to work together and celebrate Italian National day.

“We have live entertainment and DJs playing over the weekend, not to mention our star-studded hosts, Heart Scotland’s Paul Harper, Capital FM’s Des Clarke and man about town Greg Summers.”

Clan Italia will be making an appearance and selling some iconic Italian clothing and merchandise.

The Falkirk-based company researched the concept of an Italian tartan, resulting in the first approved ethnic tartan in Scotland, which has been worn by Godfather actor Al Pacino, late Italian chef Antonio Carluccio, singers Paolo Nutini and Andrea Bocelli and violinist Nicola Benedetti.

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The dedicated children’s tent will see various activities across the two days, including arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting, Italian bounce-and-rhyme sessions - and even a dedicated slot for adults who want to get to grips with the Italian language.

The pop-up theatre section will see a cocktail-making session where crowds can learn all about making their perfect drinks at home, and how to make healthy food in just 20 minutes with the team at Celinio’s.

The festival will be opened by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Eva Bolander, and Ayrshire classical singer Nicole Cassells will perform the Italian and Scottish National Anthems.

Sagra Italiana will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Register for free at sagraitaliana.co.uk/tickets.