Summernats 38 is officially underway in Canberra, with the annual City Cruise rolling through the heart of the city to kick off four days of burnouts, sun, Zooper Doopers and thousands of fans.

Hundreds of show cars took part in the cruise, giving onlookers an early taste of what’s to come as the festival continues at Exhibition Park in Canberra from Thursday 8 January through to Sunday 11 January.

Now in its 38th year, Summernats remains one of Canberra’s biggest annual events, drawing thousands of entrants and spectators from across the country.

“Summernats has been going strong for 38 years, and this year we’re expecting around 3000 entrants to bring their wild, colourful and noisy cars to Exhibition Park, along with about 130,000 people across the weekend,” Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez said.

For fans, the event delivers exactly what it promises.

“Summernats is everything people know and love. Burnouts, cruising, show cars and thousands of great fans,” Mr Lopez said.

The City Cruise kicked off with temperatures soaring to the high 30s, and with severe heat forecast across the opening days of the festival, organisers say extensive measures are in place to keep patrons safe.

“It’s going to be a bloody hot one, and we know that. We always plan for hot weather because it often is, but this year is particularly warm and we are well prepared,” Mr Lopez said.

Extra shade, misting stations, free water refill points, sunscreen and around 50,000 Zooper Doopers are available across the site, supported by a fully resourced first aid team.

Mr Lopez also emphasised the importance of respectful behaviour as tens of thousands descend on the capital.

“We’re guests in the city. Around 80 per cent of our patrons come from interstate, and that comes with a responsibility to meet the expectations of the local community,” he said.

Despite its scale, Mr Lopez said the focus remains firmly on the experience.

“Summernats is a festival. It’s a party. Our job, and our joy, is getting people into the venue safely, giving them a great experience while they’re with us, and sending them home happy and comfortable,” said Mr Lopez

“We’re ready to go. Bring it on.”

Summernats runs at EPIC until Sunday 11 January. Visit the Summernats website for more information.