Liverpool rightly retains its title as the UK capital of live music with the return of the Mathew Street Musical Festival. Featuring more than 90 bands from across the globe, this is a free musical festival not to be missed.

Eclectic Line-Up
Embracing all forms of music is what this August Bank Holiday festival is all about. Whatever your bag is, you're sure to find it here. Soul, pop, big band, folk, country and western and up and coming talent are all represented on the six outdoor stages of the Mathew Street Music Festival. And if they're not there, you'll find them in the many pockets of pubs, live music venues and clubs that host fringe events throughout the two-day festival.

Capital of Music
While trumping last year's Mathew Street Music Festival, which had the extra sparkle of the Capital of Culture, may be a big ask, the organisers are rising to the challenge. As with last year, the 2009 festival will have six outdoor stages with all the action beamed onto massive LED screens. Acts to look out for this year include tribute performances of hits by Amy Winehouse, Queen, Duffy, Kings of Leon and Paul Weller.

World Famous Event
As always, the Mathew Music Street Festival is expected to attract thousands. Many of the bands performing come from as far afield as USA, Poland, Finland, Turkey, Brazil and Canada. There's also a New Band stage which hosts Merseyside talent, and spots are fiercely fought for among local bands. You can also expect the inevitable Beatles tribute acts.

Fringe Events
As with any good festival, Mathew Street has plenty of fringe events with bands and DJs appearing in The Bumper, The Magnet and Heebie Jeebies, to name but a few. And on Sunday and Monday you can see the street art collective, Urban Canvas, restyle Seel Street with the pavement art. They'll be redecorating The Masque, Heebie Jeebies, The Peacock, The Zanzibar and other venues from 2pm - 7pm.

Mathew Street Music Festival takes place at six outdoor stages in Liverpool city centre, with fringe events in the city's bars and venues, from 11am - 6pm, 30th and 31st August 2009. The festival is free.