A VISIT from The Beatles’ original drummer confirmed Beatlemania is alive and well in India.

Pete Best performed before 250,000 fans in Delhi as part of a campaign to bring more tourists from the sub-continent to Liverpool.

He played with his current band while the original Beatles Madame Tussauds waxworks were set up in the middle of India’s capital city.

Eight of the major TV channels and all the country’s national newspapers covered the event.

It had special significance for Best, 67, who was born in Madras, leaving the country in 1945, when he was four.

His mother, Mona, was born in Delhi and was instrumental in getting The Beatles’ careers started.

The festival was hosted by The Beatles Story and Merseytravel as part of the campaign to establish Liverpool as an attraction.

Best said: “I have some vague recollections of the place, but many vivid memories of the stories my mother told me about India.

“This trip with The Beatles Story was a kind of pilgrimage for me. It was a real thrill to perform in India.

“We could feel the warmth from the audiences and that made the shows even more enjoyable for us.

“Liverpool is my home town. It is a great city with great people.

“I am proud and privileged to be able to travel the world and let people know what a unique and wonderful place Liverpool is.”