John, Paul, Ringo, and George.
When these four names stand alone they are indistinguishable from any other. But, put these four names together, side by side, and they are a historical artefact that transformed the world of music history. The four Liverpudlian lads transformed music forever on the fateful day when 15 year old Paul McCartney met 16 year old John Lennon at St. Peter’s, Woolton’s Parish Church. A new generation searching for a breath of fresh air with the decline of conservatism, found it in the revolution of ‘BeatleMania’. The life-changing melodies sent vibrations of the feeling of togetherness and love for all throughout the heart of Liverpool. The pride in being a working class man triggered the blur of class prejudice and was sent into teenagers dancing shoes and twisting hips. A cultural revival was born and it all began with their first performance in the Cavern Club – the soul of Mathew Street, on the 9th of February, 1961.
No wonder the fans of today are in uproar over the recent announcement that the beloved annual Mathew Street Festival, which honours these unforgettable names, is not taking place in Mathew Street.
The Liverpool Street Festival has finally been revived after ten years. It will take place across the August Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 23rd – Monday 26th August, 2024. Each day will host a different genre of music. Day one (Friday 23rd) has been deemed the “Liverpool Legends” day. The following day (Saturday 24th) will see big international acts grace the stage and they will be announced next week. Day three (Sunday 25th) is a tribute to honour the festival’s cultural heritage, and finally, the final day (Monday 26th) will be taken over by the Cavern Club to honour the four men who made history.
However, controversy over various social media platforms spiked over the announcement that it will take place on the Waterfront Pier of Liverpool, beneath the Liver building, following the success of 2023 Eurovision, rather than Mathew Street. More controversy is building over the fact that the ticket is not open to all, as people under the age of 18 are prohibited, and it is ticketed at £25 from March 1st. As a result, numerous venues dotted along Mathew Street are hosting tribute acts as a solution to memorialise the sanctity of the old festival and to pay tribute to the four gentlemen who changed music history, and whose statues line the cobbled street. For more information about the line-up for the International Beatles Week, a link can be found here. The venues in the Cavern Quarter participating include: Sgt Peppers, Reminisce, Revolver, McCooleys, Scruffy Murphy, The Grapes, Hardy’s, White Star, O’Briens, Rubber Soul, Eric’s, King John, Kaiserkeller, Heaven, The White Star, Flanagan’s Apple, Kabannas, Legends and Wall of Fame.
According to BBC News, organiser Liam Spence says that: “Having a safe and secure environment down on the Pier Head is definitely the way forward,” because sadly the days of bands on the streets are a distant memory of the past.
The festival was originally created in 1993 to celebrate Merseybeat and the Beatles. However, it was cancelled in 2013 due to expenses, criticism for causing unwanted chaos and the changing landscape which made it difficult to set up stages in the city’s centre. Therefore, the event was replaced with the Liverpool International Music Festival in Sefton Park. This event will take place from August 15- August 31, 2024. It will see over 200 acts representing 20 countries, with over 150 hours of live music.
The event will celebrate the timeline of music, from Liverpudlian Legends, upcoming local talent, renowned international superstars and tribute acts. The event will see people “Come Together” (no pun intended) and the struggles of “Yesterday” will suddenly dissipate when fans are joined in the oasis of music. A protective bubble will wrap itself around viewers who will be joined in the melodies of the past and the present.
