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All 10,000 free tickets for an Olympic torch event on Liverpool's waterfront were booked within six hours of being released.

The two-and-a-half hour event at Liverpool's Pier Head on 1 June will include live music, acrobatic displays and dance performances.

Up to four free tickets per household were available on a first come first served basis.

The Olympic torch will arrive at the evening celebration via Mersey Ferry.

The torch relay will have followed a route through Southport, St Helens and Liverpool before being carried through the Mersey Tunnel to Wirral.

Wendy Simon, Liverpool City Council cabinet member for culture, said: "For many people, to see the Olympic flame in their home city will be a unique opportunity and we know many thousands of people will line the route during the day.

"The free evening celebration is a chance for thousands of people to come together at an iconic location to see the iconic symbol of the Games in Liverpool and enjoy free entertainment.

"It is a great way for our communities to get involved in the buzz and excitement in the build up to the Olympic Games."

The Olympic torch relay begins on 19 May at Land's End, Cornwall, and will travel about 8,000 miles around the UK.

The torch visits Chester on 29 May and heads to Runcorn and Widnes on 31 May.