Glasgow 2014 cultural programme announced AN all-day classical music marathon in Glasgow led by violinist Nicola Benedetti and a day of events exploring Scotland's slave trade past will be part of a huge cultural programme to mark the Commonwealth Games. A major new series of short films inspired by the Shetlanders who voyaged overseas on Clyde-made ships, a visit by an Aboriginal elder, actor and activist to head up a showcase of Australian culture, a major showcase of South African work at the Edinburgh International Festival, and a new dance production being created in Aberdeen inspired by Vivaldi's Four Seasons score are among more than 40 new projects unveiled today. The cultural programme, which will include a Glasgow-wide festival during the sporting extravaganza in July and August, is costing around £13 million to stage and will feature more than 200 different projects and 800 separate events. The culture programme is billed as an "unprecedented" programme of activity featuring new work created by world-leading and emerging Scottish and international artists. During Glasgow's festival, music, dance, comedy and film events will be staged at three major "live sites" at Glasgow Green, the Merchant City and at Kelvingrove Park's newly-revamped bandstand. Performers from Pakistan, Cyprus and Sri Lanka will also be appearing at the latter venue when it is deployed for the Glasgow Mela for the first time. Benedetti will be joining forces with the cream of Scotland's orchestras and classical to stage three different shows at the city's Royal Concert Hall. Four venues in Glasgow's Merchant City will be deployed for special events marking the emancipation of African and Caribbean slaves. Full details of the cultural programme are available at glasgow2014.com/culture