BANDS from more than 20 countries will take part in the Liverpool International Music Festival later this month.

Taking place from August 21-27 it replaces the Beatles-inspired Mathew Street festival, but there's definitely a 'Fab' theme running throughout.

It is not only a celebration of some of the best current artists, but also pays homage to 20 years of the Mathew Street Music Festival with a strong nod to the city’s favourite sons.

Throughout the week there will be live gigs, exhibitions, memorabilia sales, guest speakers, video shows, sightseeing tours and a convention.

On the Saturday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, there will be a dedicated Beatles Years Stage in Sefton Park which will see bands perform tracks played from every year the band were together (1962-1970).

The bands hail from Mexico, Brazil, USA and of course the UK, including Liverpool.

Directors of Cavern City Tours, Bill Heckle and Dave Jones, have programmed the Beatles Years stage.

Bill said: "We've got eight of the best tribute bands around to play tracks from each Beatle year.

"The Beatles Years show has never been done before in the city and will be a real treat for the Sefton Park audience."

And if that isn’t enough Beatles, Bill and Dave are also programming the Mathew Street Festival Stage at the Pier Head on Sunday, August 25, which plays host to a variety of tribute acts.

Bill added: "We're really pleased with the line-up for the festival as we knew how important it was to keep the very best elements of the Mathew Street Music Festival, which would work well alongside a brand new, exciting event which represents how the city has evolved musically.

"And of course when it comes to tribute artists, it’s not just about the Beatles.

"Party at the Pier on bank holiday Sunday will see Adele, Robbie Williams, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Rolling Stones and David Bowie tribute acts perform.

"Not to mention the Argentinian Dios Salve a la Reina who are quite simply the best Queen tribute act in the world.

"They were hugely popular when they performed as part of the original festival, they’ll provide a great link between the old and new events.

"This band defined Mathew Street Festival over the last 20 years and they have even interrupted their European tour just so they can be part of LIMF.

"If you haven’t seen them before you’re in for a real treat."

The Beatles theme continues with events including:

  • 25 bands playing every day during International Beatleweek at The Cavern Club (tickets available on the door).
  • 3 special shows at the Philharmonic Hall on Friday, August 23, Saturday 24 and Monday 26. Tickets are from Liverpool Philharmonic Hall box office.
  • Neil Innes & friends perform their Beatles spoof ‘Rutles’ show at O2 Academy on Monday, August 26.
  • Joining the bill will be Wirral-based former members of 60s band Scaffold, Mike McCartney and John Gorman (tickets from www.cavernclub.org).
  • A 12 hour Beatles Convention on Sunday 26th at The Adelphi Hotel. 60 bands, guest speakers, videos, memorabilia and more all for £15 (tickets available on the door).
  • A special celebration at the Albert Dock on 24/25 August.
  • On selected dates throughout August and September there will be a ‘Spotlight on the Beatles’ exhibition at Museum of Liverpool.
  • Lathom Hall in Seaforth will showcase Merseybeat memorabilia.
  • From August 23 to September 14 the Royal Court will host the production of 'Lennon' which will see Liverpool musician John Power take on the role of the late Beatle.
  • Kevin Fearon, chief executive of the Royal Court Liverpool and producer of Lennon, said: "The programming for LIMF has been really impressive so far, reflecting the wide range of music that the city has to offer.
  • "The Beatles are a massive part of Liverpool’s musical history and by making Lennon a part of the festival we will be bringing some of the best music ever written to the stage.
  • "The play is a celebration of a Liverpool icon and, with more than 40 John Lennon and Beatles hits played live, it will add a new dimension to the Festival."