Liverpool's year-long celebrations for Beatles' anniversary

A series of events are planned in the city in 2012 to mark the 50th birthday of the band's formation

The Beatles will be remembered in a year-long season of music, film and verse in their home city of Liverpool.

The 12-month programme of cultural events will be focus on the 50th anniversary of the birth of the most enduringly popular music band, Jade Wright, of the Liverpool Echo, reported on Friday.

This year marks the half-century that has passed since the formation of the Beatles. In June, The Two of Us: The Lennon and McCartney Songbook will see the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra perform the band's songs over two evenings.

Michael Eakin, chief executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, said: "We're delighted to be playing our part in this special Beatles anniversary, paying our tribute to the four Liverpool lads whose music continues to have an extraordinary impact around the world."

At the beginning of December, there will be a Beatles weekend at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

On 18 August, Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight, will host a musical event celebrating the date that Ringo Starr made his Beatles debut. The next day, 19 August, marks the 50-year anniversary of the band's first gig at The Cavern.

International Beatles Week will commemorate the anniversary with bands and fans from all over the world arriving in Liverpool for gigs, guest speakers and the Beatles convention leading up to the 20th anniversary of the Mathew Street festival ? the annual celebration of all things Beatles.

To celebrate the release of The Beatles' first single, a Love Me Do Weekend will take place at the Albert Dock over the weekend of 5 October to 7 October.

The leader of Liverpool city council, Joe Anderson, described it as "a hugely significant year in the history of the Beatles." He said its one that Liverpool couldn't let pass by without a large celebration.

He said the council never underestimates the power of The Beatles to attract visitors to the city, which will bring a much-needed boost to the local economy.

• Liverpool
• The Beatles
• Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
• John Lennon
• Paul McCartney
• Classical music
• Ringo Starr

Helen Carter

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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/feb/24/beatles-anniversary-liverpool

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