The first bands have been announced for this year's Liverpool Soundcity which will take place for the second time in 2009.

Chart toppers White Lies will be joined by two other recently hyped acts Animal Collective and Little Boots on the bill.

Also playing this year's event will Cage The Elephant, Deerhunter, Mongrel, Mumford and Sons and local boys The Hot Melts.

This year's Soundcity will take place from May 20-23 and will once again combine gigs and industry panels.

In total more than 400 acts will play across 30 of Liverpool's venues with over 25,000 people expected to attend at some point during the week.

Early bird tickets are on sale now costing £35 while a festival and conference pass will cost you £120.

(by Daniel Melia)