www.liverpool.gov.uk

Merseybeat Monday marks Beatles anniversary

Published: 13 July 2012

August bank holiday in Liverpool will have a distinct Merseybeat feel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles.

As part of the Mathew Street Music Festival, which takes place on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 August, there will be a nod to Liverpool’s most famous sons as the second day has been renamed Merseybeat Monday, celebrating all things Beatles and Beatles-influenced. Two stages will be dedicated to the Fab Four as that week marks 50 years since Ringo joined John, Paul and George.  A selection of tracks from every Beatles album will be performed. 

Over the two days, five stages across the city centre will fantastic live host music to attract all ages.  The line up will be announced in the next fortnight, but the stage themes are:

Sunday 26 August

Chill out stage 

70s stage which will include a tribute to Erics 

80s stage 

90s stage 

Made in Liverpool stage featuring ten of the best young, up and coming bands.

Monday 27 August

Merseybeat stage 

The Cavern – yesterday and today 

Early Beatles albums 

Later Beatles albums 

Guitar heroes of the 60s and 70s

Once again, businesses are being asked to support the festival which can no longer be solely funded by the city council due to budget pressures.  Local businesses benefit from the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to the city over the August weekend, and a range of opportunities are available for them ranging from sponsoring one of the acts performing right through to making smaller contributions.

Letters have been sent out to more than 300 organisations in the city centre including bars, restaurants and hotels asking for support and to help share the considerable cost of putting on the Mathew Street Music Festival.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “The Mathew Street Music Festival has been part of the city’s calendar of events for 20 years, and over time has evolved from an indoor event to a high-profile outdoor music celebration. 

“As a result, this is one of the most costly festivals we stage.  Over the next two years we’re facing further cuts of more than £50million, and tough decisions have to be made. 

  

“Last year we addressed the issue by asking for sponsors to support the event and introducing wristbands, and although this did bring in £100,000 worth of valuable contributions, we need to do better this year.

“We’re determined to make the 2012 festival one to remember as we pay homage to fifty years of one of Liverpool’s greatest exports.  We realise it’s a tough economic climate for everyone, but the whole city reaps the benefits from this event and we would be delighted if businesses could get behind us and make a contribution – big or small.”

Any business who would like to support the festival or find out more information should call 0151 600 2942 or call kirsty.connell@liverpool.gov.uk.

The wristband scheme – which gives festival-goers access to special offers and discounts from retailers across the city - will return this year.  Details of the initiative will be released in the next couple of weeks.

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Mathew Street Music Festival and the weekend offers 80 hours of FREE live outdoor music.

The 2011 event brought in crowds of 320,000 to the city centre and contributed around £20 million to the local economy.

For the latest news about the festival visit www.mathewstreetfestival.com.

Mathew Street Music Festival is largest annual free music festival in Europe with musicians from more around the world, including Canada, France, Brazil, Mexico and Scotland will be performing on August 26th and 27th 2012.