Liverpool wants to mirror the sights and sounds of Rio

The winner of the 2008 Culture Capital competition hopes it will eventually rival the Rio and Notting Hill carnivals.

Artists from 19 countries, including Costa Rica, Brazil, Uruguay, Nigeria, Turkey and Italy, are travelling to the city for the two-day event, which started on Saturday.

The carnival culminates in a colourful parade on Sunday, which will have more than 700 participants.

Councillor Warren Bradley said: ''This is the first year we have attempted this carnival and the interest around the world has been huge.

"This will be a weekend of entertainment not to be missed."

As European Capital of Culture we need to be aiming to be the very best Sue Woodward, creative director

Sue Woodward, Liverpool's creative director added: ''Liverpool has a fantastic reputation for festivals and audience participation, which is growing every year.

"By 2008 we want to be hosting a world-class carnival.

"As European Capital of Culture we need to be aiming to be the very best.''

2004 competition

On Saturday, the city saw more than 14 hours of street music, dance and theatre from acrobats and jugglers to Samba and hip-hop artists across nine venues.

People are being invited to vote for their favourite performance.

More than 10,000 voting slips have been issued at hotels, museums, bars and tourist information centres to find the best act and the best costume.

This year's carnival is a "dress rehearsal" for next year, when the city will offer a �10,000 top prize to the best street performer.