Edinburgh City Council is expecting huge crowds at the 2010 Archery World Cup Finals, to be held in East Princes Street Gardens.

The event, set to be free, will attract thousands of spectators according to the City Council, which announced the event will be held on September 17-18.

The International Archery Federation (FITA) confirmed the Scottish capital would be hosting the event last July.

The Finals will be broadcast to as many as 250 million viewers via television and the internet, showcasing both Edinburgh and Scotland.

Edinburgh Council deputy leader, Steve Cardownie, said: "The city has an excellent track record of hosting world-class events and this is no exception.

"The spectacular setting of East Princes Street Gardens is a fitting arena for such a prestigious tournament and I am sure that the people of Edinburgh and visitors to the city will get right behind it.

"As well as encouraging participation in sporting activity, major televised sports events such as these provide an excellent opportunity for Edinburgh to showcase its spectacular city centre attractions to a global audience."