Liam Gallagher voices Manchester Metrolink tram announcements

Liam Gallagher is taking over Manchester's tram network by voicing passenger announcements.

The Oasis frontman will be giving out recorded route information as the city hosts the Beyond The Music festival.

Wherever possible, organisers are urging music fans to use public transport to get to and from gigs.

Gallagher also wants to "do his bit" to encourage people to support up-and-coming talent, said a spokesman for the Mancunian musician.

"When the request was first made by [Greater Manchester mayor] Andy Burnham, Liam loved the idea of surprising tram users by doing the announcements, and he was given the chance to choose his favourite line.

"You'll have to get on to a tram into the city to find out which it is."

More than 100 artists will be performing at 17 grassroots venues across Manchester from Wednesday to Saturday, highlighting new music.

Mr Burnham said: "True to Manchester's traditions, Beyond The Music is a co-operative endeavour which aims to give all players in the music industry an equal voice and equal say on the change it needs.

"By doing that, our aim is to strengthen one of Manchester's, and Britain's, most important exports.

"There surely can't be any better way of marking the launch of the Bee Network and the first Beyond The Music than getting one of Manchester's most famous voices announcing the stops on his favourite Metrolink line."

Andy Burnham launched the first phase of the Bee Network last month

Mr Burnham added: "It means a lot to us that Liam has agreed to do this and show his support for his home city.

"Supporting our music venues and giving people cheaper and better public transport to and from our gigs is what we're all about.

"I am sure that Liam's dulcet tones will wake up a few early-morning commuters, brighten up many a journey, and produce a lot of smiles along the way."

The Bee Network was launched last month, the first locally controlled bus service in nearly 40 years.

Bus franchising in the region is the start of plans for an integrated "London-style" transport network, combining bus, tram, and eventually rail.