Liverpool tonight hosts the World Premiere first screening of new Beatles film, by Oscar-winning director Ron Howard: The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years, which focuses on the band from 1962-66. 

Academy Award winner Ron Howard’s authorised film is going to be shown to a specially invited audience at city centre venue FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) at 6.30pm tonight – 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.

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.”

Following tonight’s premiere, organisations across the city are staging some Beatle-inspired events in celebration of the Fab Four. As covered yesterday in YB News, there will be a special ‘Memorabilia Day’ in October, where members of the public are invited to bring in their collectables for valuation by world-famous auctioneer Julien’s Auctions. Other events taking place across the city include:

The Cavern

The Cavern will be showcasing fantastic live music across its three stages all day and night. From 12pm until 1am catch live sets from resident artists at the world famous Cavern Club, Cavern Live Lounge and Cavern Pub. And to top off a city-wide Beatles themed day, you can catch Beatles tribute band Made in Liverpool in The Cavern Club from 10pm.

Liverpool Town Hall

Fancy standing in the shoes of John, Paul, George and Ringo? Visitors can recreate the moment as Liverpool Town Hall opens up the famous balcony on which the Fab Four stood on and greeted the city from when they returned from America in 1964. There is also a special art exhibition on display courtesy of dot-art Gallery which consists of original Beatles-inspired works and prints will also be available to buy on the day. A soundtrack will be provided by local pianist Victoria Sharpe who will play Beatles covers on the Town Hall piano.

Albert Dock Tourist Information Centre

Liverpool’s Albert Dock Tourist Information Centre is running a competition for people to win an Eight Days a Week goody bag. All visitors have to do is tweet a picture to @moreliverpool of their time touring around Liverpool on the 15 September holding something Beatles related, and the best one will win the goody bag.

Museum of Liverpool

Immerse yourself in the rollercoaster story of the Fab Four in Liverpool and experience the sights and sounds that shaped the four lads who shook the world. See In the town where I was born, a special short film at the Museum of Liverpool explaining how much The Beatles owed to growing up in Liverpool. Get a ticket to ride from the Museum’s welcome desk for this free show, with back-to-back showings on Thursday 15 September to celebrate the premiere of Ron Howard’s Eight Days A Week film.

Liverpool ONE 
The Yellow Submarine piano – designed as part of Tickle the Ivories piano competition – will be back out for one day only, with pianists booked to play their favourite Beatles songs. The public are also invited to play the piano. Buskers in Liverpool ONE will also be playing Beatles songs – new buskers welcome! Please contact Liverpool ONE if you would like to busk – info@liverpool-one.com.