THEY are already an international sensation - thanks to You Tube - and now the Mona Lisa Twins are among the line-up for Wirral's fourth Festival of Firsts.

The Austrian duo will perform at the Concourse in West Kirby on the festival's opening day, Saturday July 5, and outside Chantilly’s in Hoylake on July 12.

The 19-year-olds gave a taste of what Wirral audiences can expect during a launch for the festival at the Holiday Inn, Hoylake on Thursday.

Lisa told the Globe: "We haven't played the festival before, so we're looking forward to taking part next month.”

Their repertoire features original material, as well as work by The Beatles.

Mona said: "We grew up working on music in the studio, and were influenced by many groups, including The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. We are always writing new music."

Thanks to You-Tube, their music has reached a worldwide audience, as Lisa explained: "We have just reached three million viewers, which is fantastic."

The girls moved to Southport two months ago and say they have never been busier. They are booked for a number of festival dates over the summer.

They also appear on Billy Butler’s Radio Merseyside show every weekend.

The girls are managed by Southport-based writer and illustrator Tim Quinn - who worked for Marvel Comics founder Stan Lee, working on his Incredible Hulk and Avengers comic books series.

He discovered Mona Lisa Twins by chance when looking for a present for his wife’s 64th birthday.

Tim told the Globe: "I found a version of The Beatles When I’m 64 on You-tube by the girls. What they did with Paul McCartney's song was remarkable.

"They have a real feel for 60s music; that’s because at the age of 13 they discovered The Beatles.

"They dismantled the Fab Four's songs, to see how Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starkey did it and they found the answer.

"After watching their stuff on You-Tube, I emailed them to ask if they had representation in the UK. Much to my delight they didn't.

"When people come to see them, they are completely blown away."

The Festival Of Firsts, showcasing the borough's artistic talents, takes place at venues in Hoylake, West Kirby and New Brighton ends on July 13.

Poetry performances, concerts, jazz parades, competitions, writing workshops and world premieres of plays will feature.

The programme for this year's showcase features appearances by Liverpool playwright Willy Russell and Wirral-based photographer Mike McCartney, whose work will be on display.

Radio Merseyside presenter Johnny Kennedy will present his performance of Simply Shakespeare, a tribute to the Bard.

The Poetry Proms will take place in New Brighton on Sunday, July 6, organised by Cathy Roberts, from Literally A Bookshop ... in New Brighton and hosted by Dr Kate McLoughlin of Birkbeck College, London Hoylake will host a Music Proms on Saturday, July 12, and organisers would like to hear from anyone interested in taking part.

Cathy Roberts is also the brains behind a Wild Words Street Safari. Taking place at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, it is a colourful carnival of fanciful creatures inspired in rhyme and verse by the streets where you live.

Among the attractions this year is an art exhibition of work by local artists on Hoylake promenade.

There will also be talks and art workshops in Hoylake Community Centre on July 13.

A headline exhibition features funnyman Harry Hill’s My Hobby paintings and Mike McCartney’s photographs.

There will be concerts of classical and popular music, featuring performances from guitarist Craig Ogden, Wirral Ukulele Orchestra, C-City and the Dave Gilbertson Saxophone Ensemble.

Proceeds from this year’s festival will go to Claire House children’s hospice.

The full festival programme is now available from www.festivaloffirsts.com

To register as a volunteer for the event, call 07716093670.