The BeatlesAustralia’s only festival dedicated to the Fab Four, Beatlesfest Bathurst, returns for its fourth edition this year and has recently unveiled its expansive program.
More than 50 events will take place across four days – Thursday, 20 to Sunday, 23 August – in Bathurst, drawing thousands of The Beatles enthusiasts to the region, both on stage and watching the performances.
The country’s best tribute bands are heading to Bathurst next month, including Backbeat – performing The Beatles’ 1964 setlist – and The Blue Apples, known for playing the Beatles late-era material, to name a few.
They’re joined by the world’s only all-women Beatles tribute act, The LadyBeatles, special guest Murray Cook (OG Red Wiggle) with his band, Murray and the Movers, and renowned photographer Tony Mott with a presentation of stories and remarkable photos.
Beatlesfest Bathurst is also home to returning act Conrad and Tanisha, and has locked in Beatles Orchestra by Candlelight (a jazz Beatles band), The Pre-Fabs (paying tribute to John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s skiffle group, the Quarrymen), Imagine - After the Beatles, and a Beatles Singalong.
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Other activities include Beatles Trivia, Beatles Bingo with Bingo Starr, karaoke, the vintage fashion market, and more, with this year’s edition expanding to welcome tributes to Buddy Holly and The Beach Boys.
You can view the full program and purchase tickets here.
Beatlesfest Bathurst is the brainchild of music documentary filmmakers Jonathan Sequeira and Wade Jackson, with the pair aiming to honour The Beatles while showcasing the Bathurst region.
“Australia has a special love affair with The Beatles since the 1964 tour saw mass hysteria and signified a landmark event in our social and cultural history, especially for young people,” Sequeira commented in a statement.
He continued, “Now the grandchildren have discovered all this great music from the 60s and 70s era along with the fun fashion and vinyl records.”
“The Beatles were one of the greatest bands of all time. No other group has inspired such adulation or been so timelessly appealing. Beatles fans are of all ages and can be found anywhere, and this August they’ll be in Bathurst.”
Festival co-founder Wade Jackson added: “But you don’t have to love The Beatles; there’s so much music and fun for everyone, and for families as well. Last year was such a magical vibe, so many people just embracing the music.”
