The race is divided into seven separate legs

Organisers have planned air, sea and land-based activity to entertain the thousands of spectators expected to descend on Liverpool's waterfront.

International artists are to perform on a special Pier Head stage on Saturday and Sunday.

Ten vessels will set off on Sunday to cross 35,000 miles of sea, visiting 12 ports before returning next July.

The Pier Head entertainers will range from South African dancers to a Brazilian soloist, while street theatre performers will mingle with visitors.

Gerry Marsden will sing Ferry Cross the Mersey

Ahead of the race start at noon on Sunday, Liverpool singer Gerry Marsden will entertain the crowds with his most famous hits, Ferry Cross the Mersey and You'll Never Walk Alone.

Organisers at the Liverpool Culture Company said that Mersey River Festival favourites, the Russian Yakolevs air display team, will perform two dare-devil aerobatics displays.

Liverpool's yacht, Liverpool '08 Clipper, will represent England in the race which is divided into seven separate legs.

Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell is to fire the cannons to mark the start of the race.