Behind the scenes at IFA 2015, the world's weirdest tech show (pictures)

BERLIN -- Welcome to IFA, the European technology trade show where the world's gadget manufacturers gather to show off their latest kit. This year, we've seen hot kit like the Sony Xperia Z5 and the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch.

It's not just about the tech though. Most brands try to inject a bit of excitement into their booths to capture the interest of press and punters alike, with thousands of members of the public streaming through the show's halls over this weekend.

This breakdancer was on the Panasonic stage, helping to demonstrate the ultra high-definition 4K recording capabilities of the company's new cameras.

IFA plays host to a wide range of home appliance makers too, all of them keen to make an impression.

You can even play a spot of crazy golf to relax.

You might even spot a flock of flamingos.

Chefs are brought in to help demonstrate new kitchen appliances.

LG used this quaint scene to help demonstrate the low-light capabilities of its G4 phone.

More breakdancing. Because why not?

Don't try this at home, kids.

A large herd of press (I think that's the correct collective noun), all sporting 3D glasses.

Using a lot of TVs, LG created this attractive array.

Get to the chopper!

A woman in a glass case scrabbling for tokens isn't normal, but at IFA it barely raises an eyebrow.

The excellent Luke Westaway and I recorded an episode of the brilliant CNET UK podcast on-site. I say "on-site", it was actually inside the branches of this tree -- the only quiet spot we could find.

Philips doing its bit for gender stereotypes here.

It wouldn't be a tech show without someone in a giant Android costume.

Presented without comment.

Samsung held its launch event away from the main IFA zone in a vast building called the Tempodrom.

Racing toy cars is a great way to relax after a hard day of tech reporting.

Washing machines should not do this.

There's plenty of opportunity to get your hair done.

Press are able to wander around the show floor before it opens to the public. It's still basically a building site at this point though, with huge crates and building materials littering the area.

This might be the best way to play a racing game.

For the best of IFA 2015, see CNET's complete coverage.