RINGO STARR - LIVERPOOL CULTURE REIGN TO BEGIN

LIVERPOOL CULTURE REIGN TO BEGIN

Liverpool's reign as the European capital of culture will begin later tonight in a flamboyant opening ceremony.

A year-long series of events kicks off with a rooftop concert from former Beatle Ringo Starr at 20:08 GMT at St George's Plateau – a time chosen for its link with the year 2008.

According to the event's organisers, the 60,000 people attending tonight's launch will be treated to an "aerial ballet of dancing cranes, containers and scissor lifts".

In the coming months the city can expect performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Sir Paul McCartney.

This weekend will see the star-studded Liverpool: The Musical make its debut, featuring Ringo, Echo and the Bunnymen, the Wombats and Dave Stewart.

It is estimated Liverpool's status as culture capital will bring in more than £100 million to the region.

Commenting ahead of tonight's launch, Gordon Brown sent his best wishes to the city of Liverpool and its residents.

"The quality and diversity of culture in Britain is truly world class and this fantastic programme drawing on culture from all round the world provides the perfect opportunity to show case the contribution that Liverpool makes to our world class reputation," the prime minister said.