VISITORS to Liverpool will get a taste of Shanghai this weekend at a free event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the twinning relationship between the two cities.

People will be given the chance to experience the food, music and crafts of Liverpool’s sister city, including ribbon dancing, Tai Chi and Chinese food-tasting.

The city centre event takes place at Metquarter, on Saturday, and Williamson Square, on Sunday.

It comes at the same time as a visit from a high-powered delegation of senior government officials from Shanghai, who will be attending Saturday’s event with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Mike Storey.

During the three-day visit, the six-strong delegation will receive an update on Liverpool’s plans for the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, where Liverpool will be the only UK city to have a dedicated pavilion.

The delegation will also take in Liverpool’s cultural quarter, including a tour of St George’s Hall, celebrate the twinning anniversary at Liverpool Town Hall, and attend Sunday’s Liverpool-Manchester United match at Anfield.

Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley said: “Our relationship with Shanghai is immensely important and will grow in significance in future years as we seek to strengthen and increase our cultural and trade links, not just with Shanghai but with the whole of China.”

The six-month World Expo will run from May 1 to October 31, 2010, and is expected to attract more than 70m visitors.