Beatle City
If there is one band out there that needs no introduction, it’s The Beatles. They are the stuff of legend, and rose to become one of the biggest (and some might say best) groups of all time. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Star, started their musical journey in the early 1960’s, and with the help of manager Brian Epstein and record producer George Martin soon made their mark on the music scene. Their worldwide success has been well documented, and includes Ivor Novello Awards, Grammy Awards, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in America, and films such as ‘Let It Be’. They were, and still continue to be, a huge influence on the music scene, and is it any wonder when their discography includes hits such as ‘Love Me Do’, ‘Hard Days Night’, ‘Hey Jude’, ‘She Loves You’, ‘Yesterday’, and ‘Help’. ‘Beatlemania’ swept the world, but it always came home to Liverpool, a UK city which will forever be known as the birthplace of The Beatles.
No visit to this former European Capital of Culture would be complete without experiencing a bit of Beatles Magic, and thankfully the businesses, city council, and tourism organisations in Liverpool, have made sure visitors have every opportunity to celebrate their favourite band.
If you want your trip to Liverpool to be a full scale Beatles experience, then what better place to stay than the ‘Hard Day’s Night Hotel’. This four star hotel fully embraces The Beatles Theme with artwork and memorabilia, and is a great base from which to explore all the other attractions in the city.
To make the most of a visit here, why not first hop on a Magical Mystery Tour Bus, which takes visitors through some of the famous sites that inspired classic Beatles tracks, like ‘Strawberry Fields’ and ‘Penny Lane’ There’s also another tour run by the National Trust, which gives you unrivalled access to the childhood homes of John Lennon (Mendips), and Paul McCartney (20 Forthlin Road).
Another must see Beatles attraction is The Beatles Story at the Albert Docks. They have a space at the Docks, and Pier Head which are full to the brim with Beatles Memorabilia, Merchandise, Exhibitions, and interactive activities. They’ve also introduced a 4D Theatre experience.
Along with the Albert Docks, there’s one other place The Beatles will be forever linked with, and that is The Cavern Club, where the Beatles often played. The venue proudly celebrates The Beatles through its regular tribute nights, and participation in events such as Beatles Day, The Matthew Street Festival, and John Lennon Birthday Celebrations. It’s also famous for promoting new talent from around the world, so a visit here could unearth a new musical gem to sit alongside the musical nostalgia.
If at the end of your visit, you still need reminding why The Beatles are such an important part of Liverpool’s music history, then gaze up at the Liverpool Wall Of Fame, also located in Matthew Street. This wall has discs on it for every act from Liverpool who has had a number one hit, and is unsurprisingly dominated by The Beatles.
Every city has a story to tell, and The Beatles Story is definitely one of the best to come out of Liverpool, so why not pay a visit, and soak up a bit of 60’s Rock ‘n’ Roll for yourself. It’ll be a ‘Hard Days Night’ if you don’t!
