A look back at the Mathew Street Festival

For 20 years, the Mathew Street Festival was the beating heart of Liverpool’s vibrant music scene, captivating audiences with its eclectic lineup of live performances, vibrant street parades, and infectious energy.

With the fantastic announcement of its return, let’s reminisce about the memories of what made this an iconic event, and what defined the Mathew Street Festival as a legendary weekend in the city.

Named after the historic street in Liverpool’s city centre renowned for its bustling music venues and Beatles connections. The festival first took place in 1993 and quickly grew into one of Europe’s largest free music festivals.

It began when the organisers of the annual Beatles Convention decided to host an August Bank Holiday party outside the iconic Cavern Club.

Featuring seven hours of free music from 65 bands representing various genres from around the world, the event was an instant success, drawing in crowds eager to experience the phenomenal atmosphere.

Only a few thousand people were expected to attend its first weekend, however it was estimated that over 20,000 fans turned up, leading to the Mathew Street Festival becoming one of the city’s highlights of the year.

Over the years, it attracted thousands of music enthusiasts from across the globe, transforming the streets of Liverpool into a sprawling celebration of music and creativity.

One of the festival’s highlights was its diverse lineup of live performances, featuring local talent alongside renowned artists and tribute bands paying homage to Liverpool’s rich musical heritage. From rock and pop to jazz, blues, and everything in between, the festival offered something for every musical taste, showcasing the city’s excellent music scene.

Mathew Street and its surrounding areas came alive during the festival, as musicians took to outdoor stages, pubs, and clubs, filling the air with the sounds of live music.

From iconic venues like the Cavern Club to makeshift stages on street corners, the entire city was alive with the sound of rhythm of guitars, drums, and passionate vocals, creating an electrifying atmosphere unlike any other!

It was famous for its number of tribute bands like The Antarctic Monkeys, Stereotonics, and Robbing Williams, but there was also a host of big name headliners.

In the year 2000, Party at the Pier welcomed 150 bands from 15 countries, featuring huge pop acts such as S Club 7, Steps, and Five among its lineup.

For many Liverpool residents, the Mathew Street Festival was more than just a music event – it was a cherished tradition that brought communities together and celebrated the city. It provided a platform for local artists to showcase their talent, giving a sense of pride among the city’s creative community.

Sadly, after two decades of music, memories, and moments of magic, the Mathew Street Festival came to an end in 2013, due to financial constraints and logistical challenges. While the festival may have ended, its spirit lived on in the hearts and memories of those who experienced its magic firsthand.

The Mathew Street Festival will be celebrated this year with a huge party down at the Pier Head.

Taking place across the August Bank Holiday (Friday 23rd – Monday 26th August),  Liverpool Celebrates Mathew Street Festival will commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the last Festival with dozens of acts to be announced over the four-day music extravaganza.

The event’s new and revived format will see a centralised location at the Pier Head beneath the city’s prestigious Liver Building in a secure and managed ticketed event across the bank holiday, for ages 18 and over.

Each day will consist of a different theme, celebrating all eras and genres of music, from Liverpool legends and local talent, international superstars and tremendous tributes. The event will culminate with a specially curated Cavern Club Takeover: a celebration of artists who have performed at the original festival over the decades. The complete line-up will be revealed soon, with huge acts expected to be announced across the four days. 

Liverpool Celebrates Mathew Street Festival is set to attract thousands of visitors to the city and tickets are expected to be in high demand. The event will provide a huge boost to the city’s economy and will once again shine a light on Liverpool’s world-famous musical heritage and the vivacious spirit of the local community.

Find out more about Liverpool Celebrates Mathew Street Festival here.