Details of a new three-day Beatles festival set to make its debut in London this September are starting to emerge.
The London Beatles Festival will take over several downtown venues, including the London Public Library's Wolf Performance Hall, September 23, 24, and 25. It will also see a section of Dundas St. closed for a free celebration of everything Beatles.
"The Celebrate Ontario grant was the seed money we needed to get this going," says Festival Director Paul Rivard.
The province announced two weeks ago it would kick in $25,700 for the festival. It was one of only four festivals in London to receive provincial funding.
"London is an ideal spot for a Beatles type of festival because of the connection with the UK," says Steve Burchell, festival founder. "You've got a lot of ex-pats living in London. You've got a lot of people whose roots are British. It's something I've thought about for years. This year seemed to be where it all came together and the support we've been getting is incredible."
The Wolf Performance Hall will be the main festival venue with top name tribute artists set to perform in multiple genres. Several "satellite venues" have also been selected for late evening shows.
"When we talk to venues they are just 'yes, yes, yes, we want in.' We have had nobody say 'naw, that's not going to work,'" says Burchell. "Around 10pm bands will start going on in several venues like the Fox and Fiddle, Poachers Arms, and Moxie's. The list is getting added to all the time."
Burchell believes the festival will provide a big financial boost to the downtown.
"I'm thinking maybe 8,000 people will attend over the weekend. With those kind of numbers I'd be very happy," says Burchell. "The big thing is for people to enjoy themselves and maybe introduce the Beatles music to a younger generation that is not completely aware of it."
The not-for-profit festival will raise funds for the Brain Injury Association London and Region.
Tickets go on-sale May 11.
For more information visit www.thelondonbeatlesfestival.com.