Credit: Stuart Home Photography
It’s time to come together for a week of serious Beatle-appreciation. That’s right, from 21st to 27th August, International Beatleweek is returning to Liverpool to celebrate everything John, Paul, George and Ringo in the city where it all began…
Throughout the week you’ll be able to go here, there and everywhere to enjoy Beatlemania, catching acts from around the globe paying tribute to the city’s Fab Four. Here’s all you need to know about International Beatleweek 2019 (and our pick of non-affiliated events happening around the city)…
There’s no denying that Beatlemania is the lifeblood of Liverpool, so it only makes sense that an eclectic mix of venues across the city will be hosting Beatle-inspired events throughout the week. From the legendary Cavern Club to the exotic Grand Central Hall, there’s a whole host of venues taking part this year.
Alongside the Cavern on Mathew Street (arguably the home of The Beatles), you’ll also be able to catch events at the historic Adelphi Hotel, which hosted the Fab Four on numerous occasions back in the day and at Alma de Cuba, where they’ll be putting on a Peace and Love event to celebrate the poignant message that Beatles music came to represent.
The bohemian Grand Central Hall on Renshaw Street will be hosting tribute acts from the US and the Mathew Street Festival. You can also catch some action at The Shankly Hotel and the Philharmonic Hall, which is putting on a sensational double act showcasing Abbey Road and a stand out portrayal of John Lennon. Then there’s the Casbah where the 60th anniversary of its grand opening hosting five stages stocked with fabulous Beatles themed live music.
Fans of The Beatles looking to have a full experience and access to all events throughout International Beatleweek should consider investing in one of the festival’s packages.
Everything from the Yellow Sub package (includes entry to six events, plus free entry to The Cavern) and then there’s the Gold Anthology package including full access to all events, four nights stay and free entry into The Cavern Club.
For more information, visit The International Beatleweek Festival Website where you can also buy individual tickets to some events on the website.
Struggling to decide where you want to head to? Here’s the full schedule of the week:
10:00am onwards | Wednesday at The Cavern (The Cavern Club & Live Lounge)
Rock ‘n’ roll all day long with live music on two stages between the Cavern Club and the Cavern Pub.
20:00pm onwards | Thursday at The Cavern (The Cavern Club & Live Lounge)
A special showing of Paul McCartney’s legendary 1999 and recent surprise 2018 performances.
12:00pm-20:00pm | Peace and Love (Alma de Cuba)
Only available as part of a purchased package from internationalbeatleweek.com. The Peace and Love event at Alma de Cuba will be a collective of acts, taking to both indoor and outdoor stages. The focus will be Peace and Love, something which The Beatles music is now synonymous with but, during the height of their fame, was not something they set out to influence.
20:00pm | The Fab Four (Grand Central Hal)
Only available as part of a bought package from internationalbeatleweek.com. The Fab Four are America’s most celebrated Beatles tribute and they’ve ventured across the pond to play their recounting of the lads entire career in its entirety.
23:30pm | Friday Adelphi Party (Adelphi Hotel)
Three stages of live music will play on until audiences are singing Here Comes the Sun for the first of International Beatleweek’s late-night parties.
12:00pm – 20:00pm| The Casbah’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations (The Olympia)
Only available as part of a pre-purchased package from internationalbeatleweek.com. Head to The Casbah to celebrate the opening of this historic venue and the holy grail of Liverpool’s Beatles trail.
“I think it’s a good idea to let people know about the Casbah. They know about the Cavern, they know about some of those things, but the Casbah was the place where all that started. We helped paint it and stuff. We looked upon it as our personal club.” Sir Paul McCartney
20:00pm | Pepperland (Philharmonic Hall)
Only available as part of a bought package from internationalbeatleweek.com. this double feature performance honours Abbey Road and its half-centenary and a striking performance, taken on by Mark McGann as he portrays none other than John Lennon.
23:30pm | Saturday Adelphi Party (Adelphi Hotel)
The second late-night party at the Adelphi celebrating everything Fab Four on three stages throughout the night.
10:00am onwards | Annual Beatles Convention (Adelphi Hotel)
A must-visit for anyone who calls themselves a Beatles fan. Live music, films, guest speakers, Ringo Bingo and a huge flea market filled with Beatles memorabilia are all included in this annual convention.
11:59pm | Sunday Adelphi Party (Adelphi Hotel)
At midnight on Sunday, ‘Prellie Night’ celebrates the life and legacy of a much-loved Beatleweek performer who sadly lost his life in October 2018. A legend of Beatleweek, Trevor “Prellie” Townsend will forever be remembered by his peers and fellow artists on this the third late-night party night of International Beatleweek.
12:00pm – 18:00pm | Mathew Street Festival Tribute (Grand Central Hall)
New for 2019, Beatles fans can enjoy a tribute to a sorely missed annual city festival; Mathew Street Festival. Evoking a LIVER AID theme, the tribute concert will harken back to the 90s when music brought joy and happiness to so many around the world.
18:00pm | Rooftop Concert (The Shankly Hotel)
Only available as part of a bought package from internationalbeatleweek.com. Join in the fun on The Shankly rooftop at The Garden of Eden as International Beatleweek takes over three stages overlooking the stunning city skyline. With three bars and an exciting line-up of live acts, this promises to be an amazing end to what will no doubt be another sensational week celebrating The Beatles.
23:30pm | Monday Adelphi Party (Adelphi Hotel)
Enjoy a finale Late Night Party with three stages of fabulous live music where a different Beatles act that has performed throughout the week will end the package only events of International Beatles Week in style.
10:00am – 20:00pm| Tuesday at the Cavern
The final day of International Beatleweek draws to a close with a return to the legendary Mathew Street, celebrating the finale with live music across two stages in both The Cavern Club and The Cavern Pub. As well as a special performance with appearances from The Overtures, this will be one heck of a swinging 60s party you simply don’t want to miss.
If you’ve missed the boat to buy a package for International Beatleweek, there are plenty of other Beatles-based events happening all across Liverpool not affiliated with the festival. Here’s our pick of the best…
When: 20th – 27th
Where: The Beatles Story
Start creating your very own baby Beatles and help them discover the guitar during International Beatles Week at The Beatles Story.
Hosted every week, there will be expert-led guitar sessions for children aged 6 – 11, with playing techniques inspired by the greatest band in the world.
The kids will learn how to hold a guitar, how to tune it, a few simple chords and the tools to go on and make amazing music.
When: 23rd August
Where: Camp and Furnace
Listen to back to back Beatles songs whilst holding cool inflatable props, firing confetti cannons and generally having a ball as Sh*t Indie Disco host one of their epic themed club nights, in Camp and Furnace.
Running through all the favourites, and some of the more obscure tracks from their early days, organisers will be helping superfans celebrate all thing Beatle-related, throughout Saturday night during Beatleweek.
When: 24th August
Where: Mersey Ferries
Enjoy a fantastic performance by local Beatles cover band Paperback Writers as you cruise around Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront. With a licensed bar and hot and cold food available it’s set to be a magical mystery tour of the Mersey.
Tickets are available for £20 per cruiser, and the journey shoves off at 19:45 pm prompt from Pier Head Liverpool.
If you’re heading to Liverpool for International Beatles Week in 2019, why not check out our guide to the best tours in the city? Alongside some alternative Beatles-based walkarounds, there’s historical tours, football-based tours and even cycling tours.
International Beatles Week falls on the August Bank Holiday this year: why not celebrate a work-free Monday with our guide to all the bars, clubs and late Sunday nights in Liverpool.
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