The sister of the late Beatle George Harrison has opened his home city's annual music festival.

Beatles fans from across the world are in Liverpool for the 2002 Mathew Street festival celebrating the life of the 'quiet Beatle' who died of cancer last year.

Original Beatles drummer Pete Best will also become the first member of the band to play at the festival, which centres on the street where the group played their first gigs at the famous Cavern Club.

Louise Harrison flew from Illinois, USA, to be guest of honour at the event.

A mosaic by John Lennon will be on display

She said: "George certainly has contributed his share to putting Liverpool on the map but also for raising people's awareness as to everybody on this planet being one family."

Half a million people were expected to watch 150 bands from 22 countries perform at more than 40 venues across the city during the three-day event, which began on Saturday.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Jack Spriggs said: "The whole of Liverpool was united in grief when George died and it is only fitting that we dedicate the festival to him this year.

"But whilst it is important we remember George, we should also be conscious that he would want people to have a good time as well."

The festival features music ranging from jazz to bluegrass and stages dedicated to the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Organisers of the festival claim it is the biggest annual city centre music event in the UK.

In 2001 there were more than 300,000 spectators.

One of the centrepieces will be an exhibition of George Harrison's photography.

A mosaic called The Magic Eye and designed by John Lennon - it weighs two tons and measures 16 feet by 6 feet - will also be on display.