A star-line up has officially been announced for the International Beatleweek, which takes place this summer.
The festival, which first started 30 years ago, is organised by Liverpool’s leading tour operator Cavern City Tours and celebrates the music of the world’s most famous pop group.
Sixties singer-songwriter Donovan and John Lennon’s ex, May Pang, are set to return to the city to take part in the Fab Four festival, as well as George Harrison’s first wife Pattie Boyd.
Donovan will headline the Shamrock Concert at the Royal Court. He is expected to perform songs from his ‘flower power’ album, Sunshine Superman, as well as songs from Beatles records including Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the White Album.
Jon Keats, Cavern entertainment director, told JMU Journalism: “We have been doing the festival now for over 30 years. It just gets bigger and bigger as does the love for the Beatles in general. They are bigger today than ever.”
Peter Asher, one half of the 60s duo ‘Peter and Gordon’, who were signed by Beatles company Apple, will also be making an appearance. There are a number of other events such as a Brazilian Beatles orchestra in the Bombed Out Church, Donovan’s ‘India’ concert and a 75th Birthday tribute to John Lennon.
Keats continued: “We never aim to top the previous year. We always set to at least equal the previous year and maintain and improve standards at all times.
“People’s expectations in terms of production values etc, have increased over the years and we make sure the event is kept fresh and up to date in this area. Luckily we do get positive feedback year after year.”
“I think it’s going to be one of the best for a while as there are lots of news guests and around 30 new brands from all over the world.”
The festival is set to take place in August 2015 and more information can be found on the website.