CROWDS of Canberrans of all ages are out enjoying the blue skies and bright sunshine at the biggest-ever Canberra Day celebration, ahead of the city’s 100th birthday tomorrow.

Large, helium-filled letters bounce around in the soft breeze on Regatta Point, spelling out the word “Welcome” and provide small children with giant soft toys to bat around and crash into.

Words are a theme running throughout the birthday celebrations, which encircle the lake between Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue Bridges.

Other giant words made from various materials include “Home”, “Country”, and “Remember”, while a roving robot called Scryf wanders the festivities leaving a line of chalk words behind.

“I think we’re going to see an afternoon jam-packed with entertainment,” said Chief Minister Katy Gallagher from the balcony of the Regatta Point building. “This is exactly what we wanted, exactly what we’ve been planning for.”

“Its a perfect start,” agreed Centenary artistic director Robyn Archer. “We designed the event so that families and kids can have a good time beteween 12 and four mainly, then we’ll turn over to the music stages.”

“We think the mood will change as the day goes on.”