The empty suitcase that contains memories of the Beatles

Aug 23 2006 Daily Post

AFTER more than 40 years hidden away and forgotten in a loft, a little bit of Beatles history will be on display in Wirral this weekend for the first time.

On September 7, 1962 - a month before the world of music was to change forever - the Beatles played a youth club gig at Irby Village Hall for the grand sum of £35.

After their hour-long stint the band packed up and left but guitarist George Harrison forgot a suitcase which was later found by Ernie Irlam whose son had been in one of the other bands appearing that night.

He contacted the Beatles' manager, Brian Epstein who said someone would collect it, but no one ever arrived and the suitcase was put in an attic and forgotten.

It has now been sold after just failing to reach its £2,500 reserve price at Bonhams in London and will be put on display with other Beatles memorabilia at Fort Perch Rock this weekend to coincide with a Merseybeat weekend being held there as part of the Mathew Street Festival.

Doug Darroch, whose family own the famous New Brighton landmark and run it as a museum and tourist attraction, said the suitcase exhibit fitted in with other Beatles memorabilia.

Ray O'Brien, author of several books about the Beatles, had advised on the historical significance of the suitcase, and helped arrange its sale.

The case is made of compressed cardboard with plastic trim, and has George Harrison's initials on its sides. A small note on it says: "Mr George Harrison c/o Beatles Party".