MOP tops and harmonies were the order of the day as Beatlemania swept Liverpool for the third annual Beatles Day.

Tribute bands played through the day as thousands of fans joined in the festivities.

And for the first time Beatles Day went truly global as cities from Krakow to Guatemala held Fab Four celebrations on Saturday.

There was also a Beatles Karaoke in Edinburgh and a competition to find the best female Beatles band in Hamburg.

The day – which raises money for local charities – was the brain child of Gill O’Neill, wife of Backbeat Beatle Chris O’Neill.

She said last night: “We had a really good time. Everybody gave generously to the buckets.

“We had bands in Zeligs restaurant all day, had a DJ in Chavasse Park and face painting in Williamson Square.

“There were also bands in the Cavern Club and Flanagan’s – the whole of Mathew Street joined in.

“We’re going to give money to the Imagine Appeal, Marina Dalglish and we’re hoping to give to Claire House Hospice. We also want to support some smaller charities and help make a difference for them.”

The money raised this year is still being totted up, but last year’s event raised around £75,000 for good causes.

On the day’s international appeal, Mrs O’Neill added: “It’s so far reaching. This year we were getting contacts from all over the world wanting information about it.”

After the daytime family fun, Big Brother winner Craig Phillips hosted a concert in the Echo arena.

The line-up included the Backbeat Beatles in their Sgt Pepper get-up as well as the Liverpool Signing Choir, the Liverpool Ukelele Orchestra, TJ & Murphy and the Jives singing their favourite Fab Four numbers.