That line-up will echo others at the August 30-31 festival, which is organised by the council in conjunction with Mathew Street Music Festival Ltd.

The stages will be sited in similar locations to 2008 including the Birkenhead tunnel entrance, where a new "de-mountable" roundabout which can be removed to stage major events is being created.

They will also be set up near the Superlambanana on Tithebarn Street; Exchange Street East; Water Street at Drury Lane; Derby Square, and Williamson Square.

They will have a different musical theme on each day with rock, Liverpool Then and Liverpool Now stages, tribute acts covering modern bands, and a Beatles stage. One will again be hosted by Garlands.

Around 90 bands will play in the open air over the two days, with another 200 entertaining revellers at indoor venues around Mathew Street and as part of the festival Fringe which also takes in venues in the Ropewalks such as Zanzibar showcasing original music.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: "Elements we introduced in 2008 such as the new locations for the stages and the fringe festival were very well received and I want us to build on that success."