International Pop Overthrow Festival returns to Cavern Club Liverpool

The International Pop Overthrow (IPO) Festival, an eight-day celebration of original pop music from around the world, is set to return to the World-Famous Cavern Club for its milestone 20th year.

Organised by industry veterans David Bash and Rina Bardfield, the festival has been a staple at The Cavern Club every May since its inception in 2003.

To commemorate this special occasion, David Bash and the IPO Festival will be honoured with a brick in the Cavern Wall of Fame, solidifying their contributions to the global pop music scene and Cavern history.

David Bash said:

“I am honoured that The Cavern has deigned to induct me and my music festival, International Pop Overthrow, into their Wall of Fame, to celebrate 20 years of doing the festival at The World-Famous Cavern Club. I want to thank everyone at The Cavern very much for this, and for having us since 2003.

“Thank you as well to my wife, Rina Bardfield, who is just as much a part of this festival as I am. To walk down those hallowed steps each year, and bring to the people some of the world’s finest melodic music, has been my immense pleasure.”

The history of the IPO festival dates back to its founding in 1998 by David Bash in Los Angeles, California. Since then, the festival has expanded to multiple cities worldwide, showcasing emerging and established pop acts and providing a platform for artists to connect with audiences and industry professionals.

David Bash plays his guitar outside the Cavern Club. Credit: International Pop Overthrow Festival

Except for two years during the Covid pandemic, the festival has been part of The Cavern’s original live music offering since 2003.

This year’s lineup promises to be one of the most exciting yet, featuring 114 acts hailing from 14 countries. From indie pop to power pop and everything in between performed across three Cavern stages, the festival offers something for every music fan.

Gig-goers and music enthusiasts alike can immerse themselves in the sounds of original live music from local Liverpool home-grown and UK talent to international sounds in the iconic cellar club from Sunday 26 May – Monday 2 June.

The Wall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Tuesday 28th May at 4pm, honouring David Bash for his contributions to the music industry and Cavern Club’s history.

Cavern Club director, Jon Keats said:

“New, original music is key to the Cavern Club being much more than a heritage venue. Once a year, the IPO festival brings over 100 bands from all over the world to share their blend of original, melodic pop and rock and roll.

“As so often is the case, a one-off, ‘let’s see how it goes’ type of event is now celebrating its 20th year and David and Rina quite rightly take their place in our iconic Wall of Fame”