Beatles Day officially launched

At Beatles Day 2008 fundraisers collected �50,000 for charities

The second Beatles Day has been officially launched by John Lennon's sister Julia Baird with Merseyside actor and comedian Ricky Tomlinson.

At the launch at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, they handed £50,000 raised from 2008's fundraiser to charities the Imagine Appeal and Liverpool Unites.

Cash raised on the 2009 Beatles Day on 10 July will again go to Imagine, as well as the Marina Dalglish Appeal.

Organiser Gill O'Neill said they wanted the 2009 event to "go global".

We are using Beatles wigs as props for this day, much as red nose is used for Comic Relief

Chas Cole, promoter

"We want people to do their own fundraising events," said Ms O'Neill.

"We want schools to take part as the Beatles are now on the National Curriculum."

Chas Cole, Summer Pops Festival promoter and one of the people behind the Beatles Day idea, said it would be a chance to raise money by having fun.

"We are using Beatles wigs as a prop for this day, much as a red nose is used for Comic Relief," he said.

"Also, there are many more events and competitions planned for 2009 with businesses, shops, schools, performers and the general public having the opportunity to be involved."

In 2008, a tribute concert including the Backbeat Beatles and Gerry Marsden was among the events to take place.

The Imagine Appeal raises money children at Alder Hey, while Liverpool Unites was set up in memory of Rhys Jones.

The Marina Dalglish Appeal started in 2004 after the footballer's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.