History: the day The Beatles came to Walthamstow
One of the most significant moments in Walthamstow history was over in a flash for one young fan as she recalls the day The Beatles came to town.
The Beatles, a mop-topped four piece from Liverpool, were still just on their way to global stardom when they visited the Granada cinema in Hoe Street, Walthamstow on May 24 1963.
The Granada, which could hold almost 3,000 people, had played host to many leading acts of the period including John Coltrane, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly but the excitement was palpable for the arrival of John, Paul, Ringo and George.
Tickets were 7 shillings and a six pence and had 4,000 fans, some queuing for over two days, held back across the road by police as the cinema continued to show films.
In the show with US support from planned headliner Roy Orbison, the band delivered a frantic seven-song set including, Love Me Do, From Me To You, Please Please Me, and crowd favourite Twist And Shout.
Newspaper reports at the time said that 24 girls were treated by the St. John's Ambulance volunteers for hysteria.
By: Barnaby Davis
Source: Guardian
