Liverpool will be the European Capital of Culture in 2008

Flamenco dancers from Spain and Irish dancers, along with other performers from Liverpool's Irish, Greek and Italian communities, were in action.

Two stages featuring performances were being set up in the city centre, in Williamson Square and Queen's Square.

The city is officially the European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Williamson Square was hosting a continental style cafe as part of Sunday's entertainment.

The Spanish dancers are set to work with a number of students from Liverpool community college this week on a dance to be performed on European Day next Sunday when representatives from the current Capital of Culture - Cork - and a previous capital of Culture, Riga, will be visiting.

Council leader, Mike Storey, said: "Liverpool's links with Europe are growing every day. We are always looking outwards to what we can learn from other countries.

"Visitors to Liverpool will get a real flavour of Europe this and next weekend. The Euro fest will give us a snapshot of what it will be like in the city in 2008."