Beatleweek cancelled due to Coronavirus pandemic

International Beatleweek has become the latest casualty of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The annual celebration of all things Fab Four was due to take place from August 26 to September 1 at various venues across Liverpool.

But organisers the Cavern Club have now officially called off the massive Bannk Holiday event which attracts Beatle bands and fans from across the globe.

Cavern Club director Jon Keats confirmed today: "It’s with huge sadness that we announce that International Beatleweek can’t take place this year. Last year we had fans and artists from 51 different countries so it’s just impossible on many levels.

“But we will be back for 2021."

Everyone who had booked a package to attend the 2020 festival is being contacted about the decision.

This year’s event was due to mark the 50th anniversary of the Let It Be album as well as half-a-century since the band broke up.

Actor and singer Mark McGann was due to reprise his performance as John Lennon in a special In My Life concert to mark the late Beatle’s 80th birthday and the 40th anniversary of his death.

And bands from countries including Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Chile, the US, Canada, Germany, Russia and Indonesia were due to make the pilgrimage to the Mersey to perform over the week-long festival.

There was also set to be a tribute to the late Neil Innes who had been scheduled to appear as a special guest before his unexpected death at Christmas.