BEATLES - BEATLES STARS RETURN TO LIVERPOOL

BEATLES STARS RETURN TO LIVERPOOL

Beatles stars Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are to return to their home city of Liverpool to take part in the European Capital of Culture concerts.

Sir Paul will headline the Liverpool Sound concert at Anfield Stadium on June 1st, which will also feature other global stars to be announced at a later date.

Ringo Starr meanwhile will head up Liverpool The Musical with Eurythmic Dave Stewart to mark the opening of the new Liverpool Echo Arena on January 12th.

The concerts are part of a programme of events by artists, performers and institutions to mark Liverpool being named as the European Capital of Culture next year.

"I'm very excited about Liverpool being the European Capital of Culture in 2008," said Sir Paul.

"We have a fantastic series of events which are sure to get you excited too. I'm very proud of the city and I look forward to welcoming you all and showing you a good time. It's going to be a great year!"

Liverpool The Musical will feature an eclectic mix of music composed by a number of artists including Elgar, the Beatles and the Zutons.

As well as Ringo Starr and Dave Stewart, others taking part in the opening concert include the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, No Fakin DJ's, Echo and the Bunnymen and the Christians.