Beatles Day 2009 goes with a bang around Liverpool city centre

Jul 10 2009 by Ben Schofield

Scores of fans are also soaking up the sun and fab tunes on Chavasse park.

Bands are also set to play on South John Street and Keys Court in Liverpool One.

While watching Londoners The Fore play the park, Richie Connolly, 59, of Melling, said: “The atmosphere’s fantastic. This is so laid back, it’s great.

“We came down especially for this. It’s our day off and we thought we would make a day of it.”

Mr Connolly said he was on the look out for his three sisters who are all sporting mop top wigs and are preparing to head to the ECHO arena for the finale concert this evening.

Student Hayley McGivern, 16, of Halewood, was also in the park.

She said: “It's been good, everyone is really getting into it. I have never seen Chavasse Park so full.

“The Beatles are part of my heritage, we always get up and dance to them whenever they come on at parties.”

Artist Andy Prior is painting against the clock to complete a seven metre, Yellow Submarine themed portrait of the band in Cavern Walks.

Prior, 27, of Southport, said: “It’s such a big painting, so it’s a bit of a challenge. They said at first it would be three metres, when it turned out to be seven I didn’t know if I could do it.

“It’s gone well and everyone’s been really responsive – seeing it from a blank canvass to how it’s going now.”

He started at 9am and was due to finish at 4pm.

All funds raised during the day will be donated to Alder Hey’s Imagine appeal and the Marina Dalglish Appeal.

Last year Beatles Day raised £50,000 for charity.

STILL TO COME TODAY

4.30pm Magical Mystery Tour from Gower Street

5pm Beatles Guided Walking Tour, from Mathew Street

7pm Beatles Day Concert, ECHO arena