Some 6000 internet enthusiasts are expected to attend the week-long Campus Party, one of the world's biggest online entertainment events, which got underway Monday in Spain, organisers said.

The event, which unites participants from all over the world to share ideas, experiences and all types of activities related to computers, communications and new technology, is being held in the Mediterranean port of Valencia.

Participants will gather under a 12 000-square-metre tent at the futuristic "City of Arts and Sciences" designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and which opened its doors in 2005.

They will be provided with super-fast internet access and have the chance to attend workshops and lectures on astronomy, customizing a PC, robotics or computer hacking.

The gathering, which is partly open to the public for the first time this year, also has a playful aspect, with the staging of videogame competitions.

The annual event began in Spain in 1997. Editions of the event have since been held in Brazil and Colombia.