International Beatleweek Festival Announced as finalist at THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION TOURISM AWARDS 2025

Friday, 24 October 2025

International Beatleweek Festival has been announced as a finalist in the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2025, following what organisers have described as one of the most successful years in the festival’s history. The world’s biggest celebration of The Beatles, organised by The Cavern joins an impressive line-up of regional events and festivals competing for the public vote to be crowned Event/Festival of the Year.

The 2025 festival welcomed over 12,000 fans from across the world to Liverpool city centre, taking part in a week-long celebration of music and culture that included theatre shows, acoustic stages, guest talks, record fairs, outdoor events, and even an excursion to the quintessentially British village of Port Sunlight.

Among the standout moments were unforgettable headline theatre shows — the musical reunion of Liverpool brothers Mark and Paul McGann, performing together for the first time in 43 years, and The Bootleg Beatles’ Liverpool debut of their orchestral show and a ‘mini-festival’ takeover of the stunning village of Port Sunlight, Wirral which wowed festival goers.

For more than 40 years, International Beatleweek has made a significant contribution to Liverpool’s tourism economy. Each year, thousands of visitors travel to the city for the festival, spending in local venues, restaurants, shops, and attractions, and staying an average of almost five nights — generating valuable income and supporting jobs across the region.

Jon Keats, Cavern Director and Festival Organiser says

“International Beatleweek is a festival built on love and passion — love for the music, passion for Liverpool’s heritage and culture, and for the friendships formed here every year. To be recognised among the region’s best festivals means so much to us, It’s wonderful recognition for the hard work of our team and venues we collaborate who bring International Beatleweek to life every summer. But this isn’t just our story — it belongs to everyone who travels here, the bands, guests, musicians, artists who are welcomed and become an adopted Scouser for a week. This nomination is really for them.”

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards celebrate the people, places, and experiences that power a visitor economy worth £6.25 billion, recognising the exceptional quality, creativity, and warmth that make Liverpool one of the UK’s most compelling destinations.

This year’s awards feature 20 categories spanning accommodation, attractions, food and drink, entertainment, events, and innovation — reflecting the diversity and ambition of the region’s visitor economy across all six boroughs.

Winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 5 March 2026, hosted by Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala. Category winners will also have the chance to be considered for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, providing a route to national recognition.

The awards process involves independent judging through expert panels, interviews, and, where relevant, mystery shopping — ensuring integrity and fairness at every stage.

Katie Bentley, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications, Liverpool BID Company, headline sponsor, added:

“Congratulations to those shortlisted, a fantastic recognition of the incredible work taking place across Liverpool City Region’s tourism and visitor economy. These businesses, individuals and events are vital to our city’s success, contributing over £6 billion each year and creating unforgettable experiences that make Liverpool City Region such a special destination.”