Mathew Street Festival gets under way in Liverpool city centre

Tourists from around the world are expected to attend the two-day festival

The Mathew Street Festival has got under way in Liverpool, and is expected to attract up to 300,000 people to the city centre over the next two days.

Now in its 19th year, the annual bank holiday weekend event celebrates the city's musical heritage.

Six outdoor stages are showcasing live music from about 100 bands, while 40 indoor venues will host fringe events.

Bands from the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, Sweden and Scotland are taking part.

Although this is the first year the festival has not had a dedicated Beatles stage, it is still expected to feature many tribute acts and performances inspired by the Fab Four.

Tunnel closure

James Street Station in the city centre will be closed throughout Sunday and Monday to prevent overcrowding.

Merseyrail said services to Chester would run exclusively from Moorfields over Sunday and Monday.

Wirral line rail services will only run from Liverpool Central.

Queensway Mersey Tunnel will be closed to traffic in both directions until 06:30 BST on Tuesday to accommodate the festival.

The Kingsway Tunnel will be open as normal throughout the closures.

Merseyside Police are reminding festival-goers that drinking will only be permitted on the street within the festival boundaries.

Extensive safety planning, in conjunction with Liverpool City Council, has been carried out, the force said.