Galway Bay fm newsroom - President Michael D Higgins is set to formally launch Galway's year as European capital of culture this evening.
The ceremony at South Park is the culmination of a week of events which began on Sunday in Clifden.
Organisers have warned they are aware of the current weather warnings in place and will be keeping the situation under review.
However, they say their intention is still to go ahead - and weather permitting, doors will open at South Park at 4pm with the event due to get underway at 6pm.
Poets, artists and musicians across Ireland will join the president today for what organisers promise will be a packed programme, from the bogs of Connemara to the Aran Islands.
The fire and flame extravaganza in South Park tonight will see steel sculptures reflecting the ancient town's stories and traditions transformed into glittering orbs, while the Galway Hookers will line out on the Bay.
After a bumpy start and some well-publicised problems in the run-up, including funding difficulties and staff departures, organisers are confident it will be plain sailing from here on in.
For a full list of events visit Galway2020.ie
