Oraganisers have announced the first weekend of the Expo Milano 2015 was a success, with up to 650,000 people visiting the 1.1 million sq m exhibition area in the first three days since its opening on 1 May.

The world exposition will run until 31 October and a total of 20 million visitors are expected across the six months.

Around 145 countries will exhibit their concepts for the theme Feeding the planet and Energy for Life.

Coldiretti, Italys main farmers union, has estimated that some 800,000 meals were bought on the first weekend fueling hopes that Expo 2015 will help to speed up Italys economic recovery.