THE cattle are groomed and the Drifters are on their way - it must be the Glasgow Show.

This weekend, around 60,000 people are expected to flock to Glasgow Green for two days of family fun.

A host of entertainment has been provided at what is believed to be the UK's largest council-organised and funded event.

This year, visitors can see the stunning blooms of the Scottish National Sweet Pea, Rose and Carnation Society's annual flower show and Glasgow International Rose Trials.

Top parachute display team The Golden Lions will freefall from 10,000ft, although high wire artist Jean Monti has had to pull out after being injured during a show in Bangkok.

The 20-strong Flying Gunners, the world's top motorcycle team, will perform crossover moves at speeds of up to 90 mph.

Also providing thrills and spills will be European No 1 stunt and trick riding team, the Company of Horsemen.

The musical highlight will be the Drifters belting out hits such as Saturday Night at the Movies, while Soul Kings will perform Tamala Motown and Britain's Got Talent finalist Andrew Muir will also perform.

Motor fans can enjoy the Honda official motorcycle display team Bolddog Ling, a monster truck and turbo-charged car racing.

And Spice on the Green will provide a colourful fusion of ethnic food, music and dance.

There will also be cooking demonstrations from top ethnic chefs and cook-offs featuring celebrities and politicians.

Traders from all over the west of Scotland will have stalls with arts and crafts, gardening accessories and gift ideas.

On Saturday, youngsters of all ages will have a chance to get close to the Drakes of Hazard as they perform wacky stunts and there will also be birds of prey displays.

Glasgow City Council's countryside rangers will present an exhibition entitled Wildlife Through the Ages and there will be a Parade of the Champions by the city's award-winning herd of Highland cattle.

This year for the first time, a cavalcade of leading show performers will travel from George Square to Glasgow Green.

Lord Provost Bob Winter said: "The Lord Provost's Parade and the Glasgow Show 2008 promise families fun and great value for money and the weekend of exciting events always draws huge crowds.

"The parade will leave George Square at 11.30am on Saturday and everyone along the route is welcome to join us Pied Piper style."