The train operator, London Midland, has been announced as the headline partner for Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF).

LIMF takes place this year 20-23 July with musical guests Gorgon City, Fleur East and Corinne Bailey Rae at Sefton Park.

In 2016, the festival attracted an audience of over 160,000 cementing the city’s reputation as a must-visit destination.

“London Midland is proud to be associated with LIMF 2017,” said London Midland’s commercial director Richard Brooks. “We have a strong track record of supporting the arts across our network from Liverpool to London and across the West Midlands. Music has a great ability to bring people together.”

“We believe that by getting closer to the communities we serve we can learn more about what is important to our passengers and create simply better journeys for everyone. Liverpool is one of our most popular destinations and a UNESCO World City of Music. It’s a perfect partnership,” said Brooks.

London Midland operates two trains an hour connecting the West Midlands with Liverpool’s world class visitor attractions as well as Liverpool to Birmingham and Liverpool to London routes.

All London Midland trains to and from Liverpool will be offering free entertainment and WiFi to both first and standard ticket holders.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson commented: “We are delighted London Midland has joined us this year to be our partner for this incredibly popular event. To have such a reputable private sector company keen to be involved in our music festival is a real coup, and it’s great that they understand the value of free events and the boost they bring, not only to the local economy, but to the lives of residents and visitors.

“With London Midland’s support we will reinforce our standing as a must-visit tourist destination and at the same time ensure Liverpool’s global reputation for staging free outdoor and accessible events continues to grow,” said Anderson.