IT WAS a Merseyside musical marathon. A party in a very, very big house.

Promoter Chas Cole, in conjunction with the Number One Project Live, was the ideal man to put together such a vast show, celebrating the 56 hits that have emerged from Liverpool.

Faultless co-host Billy Butler said, quite rightly, “what other city could sell out 10,600 seats with a stage featuring local artists?”

This received one of the many rapturous responses in the three-hour, 45- minute creative carnival.

All credit to the production crew, too, for getting the 27 acts on and off so quickly.

There were some outstanding moments such as the theatrical Dr And The Medics with their anthemic Spirit In The Sky and novelty sequences, notably the female cast of Hollyoaks, aided by Craig Phillips, singing How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? – our city’s first chart-topper.

China Crisis cleverly re-worked Michael Holliday’s hit, Starry Eyed, while Nasher, from Frankie Goes To Hollywood, accompanied Connie Lush on a stunning version of The Power Of Love.

A huge screen enabled everyone to see their favourites from diminutive Ray Quinn to the sparkling Sonia on She Loves You, one of the many covers of Beatle songs.

The Merseybeats classic, Sorrow, proved a real singalong highlight, as did The Scaffold, who encouraged everyone to get on their feet with a thumping rendition of their 40-year-old hit, Lily The Pink.

And Ian Broudie’s football tribute, Three Lions, was re-written as Three Shirts On The Line celebrating Everton, Liverpool and Tranmere.

Second-half host Janice Long was in ebullient mood creating a highly-charged, surprisingly intimate atmosphere.

Atomic Kitten, Eton Road and Shack all illustrated the wide range of vocal talent.

The Farm had some of their respective offspring joining them on stage for harmonies on All Together Now.

Gerry Marsden sealed a truly “fab evening” with renditions of his three number ones.