The world’s most celebrated Beatles festival organised by The Cavern returns this summer with its biggest and most heartfelt programme yet. International Beatleweek 2025 promises a spectacular lineup of live performances, emotional tributes, and once-in-a-lifetime reunions, all set against the iconic backdrop of the city where it all began.   

McGann Brothers Reunite Musically for First Time in over 40 Years   

Liverpool’s Mark and Paul McGann will reunite on stage for the first time in 43 years in In His Life — a moving new show from Mark McGann, premiering at the Everyman Theatre on Friday 22nd August.  

Mark, whose acting career has long drawn inspiration from John Lennon, returns to the stage with brother Paul as his special guest in a powerful homage to The Beatle who changed his life. Fittingly, the show takes place at the Everyman — the theatre that helped launch their careers as members of the Everyman Youth Theatre — making this a poignant homecoming and cultural moment of the festival.   

MARK McGANN says   

I’m honoured to be asked by the organisers of International Beatleweek, Cavern City Tours, to perform in August at the Everyman Theatre, providing me with a wonderful opportunity to honour the theatre where it all started for me, the man (John Lennon) whose story provided significant early impetus to my career, and the special city that made me. Yet perhaps the greatest thrill of all for me will be the participation of my brother Paul, who will be joining me onstage for the first time since 1982.

The Bootleg Beatles Debut Brand New Show at the Philharmonic   

Fresh from Glastonbury and backed by a full orchestra, The Bootleg Beatles bring their brand-new show to a Liverpool audience for the first time, performing on the newly refurbished stage at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. As the UK’s premier Beatles tribute band, their performance promises spine-tingling authenticity and musical brilliance as they take on the music from the movies…The Beatles movies that is.    

Tickets are limited and available now at www.internationalbeatleweek.com.   

Tributes to Two Lost Legends: Clem Burke & Joey Molland   

This year’s festival will also include heartfelt tributes to two dearly missed members of the International Beatleweek family. Clem Burke, long-term member of Blondie and drummer for Californian rockers and festival favourites The Tearaways, will be honoured in a moving performance by his bandmates, following his recent passing. The Tearaways will also pay an emotional tribute to their dear friend Joey Molland of Badfinger, The Tearaways will also honour Joey Molland of Badfinger, with whom they shared the stage many times over the years. The Liverpool-born artist was signed to Apple Records with Badfinger, and worked with both with John Lennon and George Harrison. Joey, a beloved friend of The Cavern and festival regular, will be remembered with love, music and stories.   

Legends Who Were There: From The Quarrymen to Wings   

Beatleweek Festival’s enduring appeal lies in its authenticity — and this year, that legacy continues with special appearances by original Beatles contemporaries and collaborators including:   

Billy J. Kramer – Managed by Brian Epstein and known for a string of hit records featuring songs written by Lennon & McCartney.  

Geoff Britton – Former drummer of Wings, who played alongside Paul McCartney in the mid-1970s.  

The Original Quarrymen – John Lennon’s very first band, performing live at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Saturday 23rd August as part of a special Beatles Variety Show.  

This is a rare opportunity to hear from the people who were there at the birth of Beatlemania and involved in the Beatles careers beyond The Fab Four, as they share their own stories from inside music history.   

Jon Keats, Cavern Director and festival organiser says;  

Each year we aim to bring something truly special to International Beatleweek  and 2025 promises to be one of the most emotional and exciting festivals we’ve ever staged. At the heart of this festival though, as it is every year, is the musical legacy of John, Paul, George and Ringo. And what a legacy, music that unites fans from all over the world in the city where they was born.

Liverpool: The Mecca for Beatles Fans Around the Globe   

International Beatleweek isn’t just a music festival — it’s an unrivalled cultural pilgrimage. Now more than ever, it offers a multi-generational connection to a moment in time that changed the world. With performances, talks, tours, and tributes across The Cavern Club, Philharmonic Hall, Everyman Theatre and venues city and region wide, the festival invites fans to walk in the footsteps of legends and discover the rich musical soul of Liverpool.   

Jon Keats adds;  

68 years since John met Paul, this city remains the beating heart of the story of The Beatles; a living, breathing, global musical heritage experience. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the magic for the first time, International Beatleweek 2025 promises a vibrant, emotional, and electrifying celebration that no other city — and no other festival — can offer.   

For more information about the festival and to book tickets (limited availability), visit www.internationalbeatleweek.com.   

Clem Burke joined Jon Keats in conversation on The Cavern Podcast in 2024. Listen now on Spotify