JK Rowling’s Harry Potter prequel film Fantastic Beast and Where To Find Them will start filming in Liverpool in the next few weeks.

The Liverpool Echo has revealed that the city will be the only non-studio location for the Warner Bros. Pictures film.

Locations in St George’s Hall and near the Three Graces have been prepped by crews ahead of filming.

The prequel will star Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Ezra Miller and Ron Perlman.

The film is being directed by former Harry Potter director David Yates and produced by David Heyman, JK Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram.

David Heyman told the Liverpool Echo: “We are thrilled to be bringing Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them to Liverpool, a city which has such fond memories for me.

“My mother is from Liverpool and, as a child, we would often visit family there.

“The architecture in this beautiful city works perfectly for our film, set in 1920s New York, and I know we will receive a very warm welcome.”

The film will be released on November 18 2016.