Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture in 2008

A total of 150 separate projects will be funded by Liverpool City Council, the Liverpool Culture Company and the government.

Successful bids include a black community radio drama and an experimental electronic music festival.

Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Councillor Warren Bradley, executive member for culture at Liverpool City Council, said: "I am delighted to be giving the go-ahead to these grants. Cash aid like this is the lifeblood of Liverpool's cultural community.

"The windfall will enable scores of organisations to carry on with projects which are changing people's lives for good in the city. It will also enable many new organisations to start fresh and inspiring projects in the city."

Shanty band

Council leader Mike Storey said: "It's great to see that some of the smaller organisations haven't been forgotten in this process, with grants starting from less than �1,000.

"It might be a small amount to some groups, but it is often the difference between a project being allowed to go ahead, or sinking without trace."

Projects which will receive funding range from an international touring theatre company to a eco-friendly musicians Urban Strawberry Lunch, a Beatles Art exhibition and a traditional shanty band to welcome visitors to the Mersey River Festival.

Tate Liverpool will also receive a �40,000 grant to create new jobs, commission a public work of art, improve exhibitions and encourage outreach programmes for the young.

Sixteen other programmes, including Milapfest South Asian Arts Festival, Yellow House Regeneration arts projects and a gospel music festival will get between �20,000 and �50,000 for their schemes.