Liverpool band The Beatles is still considered the coolest musical group of all time. No wonder that despite its breakup in 1970, the foursome from the capital of Merseyside County still has fans. Every year, they come to Liverpool to remember the legendary quartet and its repertoire. How and when does this festival take place? What do tourists need to know about it? Learn more at liverpoolski.
General information
The residents of Liverpool succinctly call this celebration of their favourite band Beatleweek. As you can guess from its name, the festival lasts a whole week. Its main venue is Liverpool’s The Cavern Club on Mathew Street. The famous quartet used to perform there often. It is located in the city centre, so people can come there on foot or take a taxi. However, it is worth noting that covers of Beatles hits can be heard in almost all establishments in the city during this period. There are also exhibitions, tours of places linked to the famous foursome and auctions of rarities related to the band.
The event is usually held in August, but it can take place in different periods of the month. For example, in 2024, it is planned from the 21st to the 27th (with the first day of the festival usually being a Wednesday and the last being a Tuesday). The programme includes the Yacht Club, the Philharmonic, Liverpool Cathedral, the Adelphi and The Shankly hotels and other locations. Dozens of musical groups from different countries are invited to perform.
The role of Strawberry Field
One of Liverpool’s landmarks, Strawberry Field, is closely linked to the band. This location also hosts some events during International Beatleweek. Fans of the band may remember their 1967 song called Strawberry Fields Forever. This place is located in the south of the city and has long been decorated with a Victorian-era house. At first, it was an ordinary private residence, but in 1930, it was bought by the Salvation Army and turned into an orphanage.
Young John Lennon lived nearby and played on the grounds of the house. In 1973, after the breakup of The Beatles, it was demolished and replaced by new premises. The entrance gate was painted red and became “a pilgrimage destination” for numerous Beatles fans.
Susan Harvey, Strawberry Field’s Commercial Manager, said that the area had been filled with the sounds of joy, laughter and music for 70 years. It hosted performances of various young musicians and John Lennon was one of them. Therefore, visitors are invited here to enjoy their favourite chords, see an interactive exhibition and learn more about the history of the place, which inspired John Lennon to write the above-mentioned hit.
Important information for tourists, FAQ
Tourists who come to Liverpool specifically for the Beatles festival can purchase one of its packages that include hotel accommodation and tickets to various concerts. They are sold on the official website of the festival. It’s not mandatory, as you can come and live wherever you want as well as buy tickets for certain performances. However, keep in mind that the entry for some events are limited and there are many people who want to visit them. Therefore, they can be visited by those only who bought one of the packages.
So, what are the options if put in short?
- Do everything by yourself (find accommodation and buy tickets for certain concerts)
- Buy one of the packages with 2-5 days of accommodation
- Buy a Just Tickets package and find accommodation by yourself.
There is one nuance regarding paying for accommodation. Since the hotel packages are based on double occupancy, those travelling alone must pay extra to book a single room. The sum may vary. However, if you stay at the Grand Central Unite for students, there is no such surcharge because all rooms are single. In addition, breakfast is included in hotel packages, but it isn’t included in accommodation for students, as well as other housing with its own kitchen.
- When do I need to pay for packages?
If you are booking several months in advance, you should pay until June 1. If you buy packages in summer, you should pay immediately.
- What are the facilities for people with disabilities?
All of the hotels on offer (including The Cavern Club, Philharmonic Pub, The Shankly Hotel, Philharmonic Hall, Everyman Theatre and Marina Yacht Club) are wheelchair accessible and cater to their needs. It would be better if you indicated it in the comments. The Cavern Pub, which hosts the main performances, isn’t adapted for people with disabilities. However, people with disabilities can and often do attend such events, even with some inconvenience. The organisers, in their turn, do everything possible to make the stay of people in wheelchairs as comfortable as possible.
- Are there any age restrictions for those who wish to attend Beatleweek events?
The only small restriction is for children under the age of 18. They can stay in The Cavern Club and The Cavern Pub until 8 p.m. This restriction doesn’t apply to other activities.
- What is the best way to get to Liverpool from London?
The best way is to get there by train. The best ticket prices are set 12 weeks before the trip.