Today is Beatles Day in Liverpool

Liverpool is celebrating the musical achievements of the Fab Four with the world's first ever Beatles Day. The event has been organised to coincide with the 44th anniversary of the legendary band's triumphant homecoming after conquering the USA in 1964. On July 10, 1964, The Beatles were greeted by thousands of screaming fans when they landed at Speke Airport - now John Lennon Airport - after a hugely successful American tour.That evening a crowd of 100,000 people lined the city's streets as John, Paul, George and Ringo made their way to a civic reception for the premiere of A Hard Day's Night.

Fans are being asked to vote for their favourite Beatles hit and celebrations will include a special concert at the Liverpool Echo Arena. So whats your favourite Beatles track??The event will be hosted by Ricky Tomlinson and include bands from across Britain playing cover versions of the band's biggest hits. There will also be a special fun run and parades through locations the band made world-famous, like Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.

Cash raised will go towards Alder Hey Hospital and a fund to generate resources for a community centre in memory of murdered schoolboy Rhys Jones. "Liverpool has always been proud of The Beatles and it's a wonderful idea to combine an annual celebration of their music with a fundraising drive for charity," said promoter Chas Cole, who came up with the plan. "Beatles Day will really be about the ordinary people of this city and hopefully, in the future, cities in the UK and beyond." Thousands of inflatable guitars and £5 'mop-top' wigs will be on sale across Liverpool as the city honours its favourite sons. Ricky Tomlinson said: "No wig, no gig! I'll certainly be wearing my mop-top and looking forward to a right old knees-up."