Faith in One City is the second of eight culturally themed years

The year is part of the city's drive to publicise the unity of its seven major religious faith communities in the run up to its European cultural capital year in 2008.

Faith in One City (FIOC) was set to get under way at the Anglican Cathedral on Thursday to "celebrate faith, hope, friendship and peace".

Liverpool's biggest multi-faith choir, which features more than 250 members, will perform songs specially commissioned for the celebrations.

Performers were also set to be joined by Falklands War veteran Simon Weston to deliver the messages of peace for the year.

'Community spirit'

City council leader Mike Storey said with the year's events Liverpool can "stand out as a beacon" at a time when there is "tension around the world".

"Liverpool is bringing together people from the Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu. Sikh, Buddhist and Bahai faiths," he said.

"This launch, and the year of Faith in One City, will celebrate religious diversity, and will tap into the belief, passion and community spirit which is so important to Liverpool."

Wally Brown, FIOC co-ordinator, said the launch event "embraces all the city's diverse communities".

"This spectacular launch will show the whole of Europe that all Liverpool's communities are working together to make this the best capital of culture ever," he said.