Liverpool is to host the World Premiere of one of the most highly anticipated documentary feature films of the year.
Academy Award winner Ron Howard’s authorised film The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years is going to be shown to a specially invited audience at city centre venue FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) at 6.30pm on Thursday 15 September – 30 minutes before it is screened at London’s Leicester Square.
The STUDIOCANAL film charts the phenomenal early years of The Beatles (1962 – 1966) using rarely seen footage to explore how John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr came to be a phenomenal, world-renowned band.
Following the invitation-only city premiere which will be hosted by Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, the cinema doors will be reopened at 8.45pm as members of the public are being given the opportunity to apply for tickets for an exclusive FREE screening of the film, once again at FACT.
Anyone who would like to be among the first in the world to see the 100 minute, 12A rated film needs to go online to www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/beatlesfilm and fill in the online form OR email Beatles@liverpool.gov.uk with their full name and contact details. Tickets are limited, each will include a +1, and a full list of terms of conditions are on the Culture Liverpool website.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 7th September.
Mayor Joe Anderson said:
“This is a huge coup for the city – but where else could the world premiere of a film dedicated to The Beatles take place?
“The Beatles are our most famous sons and their legacy lives on with hundreds of thousands of visitors heading here every year to feel that connection with the Fab Four and spend some time in their hometown where four young lads honed their music skills and went on to become the most famous band in the world.
“Earlier this year a report showed that the heritage of The Beatles brings in £81.9 million to the local economy and supports more than 2,000 jobs, so without a doubt, the impact of this band is still felt in the city today.
“I’m delighted to be hosting the screening of this film. There will be something truly special about the premiere taking place in the city where it all began and I’m sure we’re going to see a huge number of applications from music fans who want to be part of this momentous event.”
Bill Heckle, Director of Cavern City Tours, said:
“It is appropriate that the first screening of Ron Howard’s hugely anticipated Beatles film should take place in Liverpool, where it all began!
“The amazing story of the Beatles is a part of Liverpool’s history and heritage which can still be very much seen and heard on the streets of the City today. It’s very fitting that the first sights and sounds of this film will start here before it reverberates once again around the world.”
FACT’s Executive Director Jo Wright says:
“We are delighted to be premiering this prestigious film here at FACT with our cinema partners Picturehouse.
“Together, we look forward to welcoming people from near and far to come and enjoy the story of this fascinating time in Liverpool’s history, recognising its importance for local culture, communities and the economy of the region.”
Details will be released on Friday about how Liverpool organisations are celebrating the world premiere by staging some very special Beatles-related events.