Charities benefit as Fab Four fiesta mops up cash

Jul 11 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

THE first-ever Beatles Day saw mop-tops and classic tracks draw fans from across Liverpool.

For 24 hours, Liverpool was immersed in wigs, and fans revelled in Fab Four nostalgia, as part of a fund-raising drive for Alder Hey Imagine and Liverpool Unites.

Organisers deemed the day a massive triumph.

A CMP Entertainment spokesman said: “Beatles Day was a resounding success and we thank the people of Liverpool for taking it on board and being their usual exuberant selves.”

The grand finale at the Arena and Convention Centre – Imagine The Concert – saw a huge number of Sixties acts from the halcyon days of the Merseybeat scene pay homage to The Beatles.

Hosted by comedian Ricky Tomlinson, the bill featured Gerry Marsden, Lennon and McCartney’s original band The Quarrymen, the Swinging Blue Jeans, Merseybeats and Mike Pender from The Searchers.

They played alongside the likes of John Power, of The La’s and Cast, and Ian Prowse of Amsterdam.

This followed buskers on every street corner regaling shoppers with The Beatles’ best numbers.

The Backbeat Beatles had a busy day, beginning on Seacombe Pier Head on board the Mersey Ferry and ending at the Arena, while The Beatlemaniacs played live from a double-decker bus from 9am until 6pm parading around Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane and throughout the city centre.

However, both acts were caught up in organisational mishaps.

The Backbeat Beatles were supposed to be performing on the World Museum steps at 11.30am but were an hour early and only played acoustically. Wind then prevented a performance on top of the Radio City Tower.

The Beatlemaniacs’ transport was denied access to Williamson Square, meaning the band had to lug their equipment off the bus to play their gig.

Organisers put the hiccups down to unpredictable weather.

A spokesman said: “The only blot on the day was the weather forecast. As Wednesday was such a rainy day, we kept a close eye on the forecast and rain was predicted at certain times during the day which meant which we had to swap and change a few things around at the last minute.

“We know that people were disappointed that the Backbeat Beatles had to change their set to an acoustic one at a slightly earlier time and we sincerely apologise for that.

“As happens, the sun shone and we hope that people really enjoyed all the other events in the city and we look forward to an even bigger and better Beatles Day next year.”

However disgruntled Beatles fan Sylvia Walker, who lives in the city centre, said: “It just isn't good enough. Most of the people here are tourists, what must they think? It isn't a good message to send out in the Capital of Culture year.”

Her fears were backed up by Angela Seitler, from Manchester, who said: “It has been a most diabolical anti- climax. If this is Liverpool’s tribute to its most famous export, then it is a shocking disgrace.”

Pauline Fox, of Newcastle-upon- Tyne, was also disappointed but said: “I was really looking forward to seeing them close up.

“We have come down for a long weekend and are going to the concert tonight.”

But others were thrilled by the day’s events. Emma Suffel, at New Park Primary School, spoke for many when she said: “The Beatles on the open-top bus was brilliant, and thoroughly enjoyed by all the children and staff.”

richarddown