Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles concert at the Adelphi cinema on Middle Abbey Street in 1963. When the world’s most famous band landed on these shores Ireland was a much different place. The concert caused the Irish youth at the time to go into frenzy in order get tickets to the gig that sold out in minutes. Despite the concert being sold out, that didn’t stop thousands of fans flocking to the venue hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous four piece. Gardai at the time were said to have been overwhelmed and amazed at the large scale of fans who had turned up

One of the evening papers at the time ran the headline “Many injured as Beatle crowds run riot in city” which shows the type of hysteria the Beatles created wherever they went in the world. It was the only time the band ever played together in Ireland and to mark the 50th anniversary of that concert Arnotts on Henry Street have organised a stunning series of window displays showing memorabilia such as photographs, signed guitars and some of the suits worn by the band that night in the Adelphi cinema which was located where Arnotts is today.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the famous concert there will be a Dublin Beatles Festival featuring events held throughout the city over the weekend. One of which is “Fab Friday” which is to be held in The Grand Social on Lower Liffey Street. The night will feature art, memorabilia and musical tribute acts in honour of The Beatles concert in the city. Tickets for the event will cost €20 and more information can be found at www. dublinbeatlesfestival.com