The celebrations will centre on the August Bank Holiday weekend

The city council is looking to the internet to add to the guest list.

The council revealed plans on Friday which include asking anyone with a Liverpool connection around the world to mark the occasion.

The city's "ex-pats" can log on to www.liverpool08.com to tell the world of their party plans.

THE BIRTHDAY WEEKEND Street parties Annual Mathew Street Music Festival Civic service at St Nicholas Parish Church Historical pageant and procession through the city centre Festivities in all public squares on 28 August Europe's largest fireworks display, fired off several key buildings

They can also use a special 2007 logo - free to download from the 08 website - to publicise their event.

The centrepiece of the 800th anniversary is a four-day celebration over August Bank Holiday, to mark the granting of the charter on 28 August in 1207.

"Liverpool's rise from a small fishing village to one of the world's pre-eminent ports is an amazing story involving peoples and cultures from across the planet," said councillor Mike Storey, executive council member.

"We want as many people as possible to celebrate and showcase how their community shaped the city."

Friday's launch included the premiere of a new film featuring some of the earliest footage of the city and a rare public display of King John's 1207 Charter.

Another key theme of 2007 will be the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery, with National Museums Liverpool opening a new �10m International Slavery Museum on 23 August.