Another Hard Day's Night - Liverpool Central Library

John Lennon's sister was among the guests of honour at the launch yesterday of a stunning new exhibition celebrating the life and music of the Beatles.

Julia Baird arrived at Liverpool Central Library for the official opening of the 'Another Hard Day's Night' exhibition, which tells the story of The Beatles' triumphant return to Liverpool after taking the world by storm.

The exhibition chronicles the Fab Four's homecoming on July 10th, 1964 to a grand civic reception at the Town Hall and the northern premiere of their first feature film A Hard Day's Night at the Odeon Cinema, London Road later the same night.

It includes correspondence between the Lord Mayor's office and Beatles manager Brian Epstein - giving the background story of how The Beatles were invited to the Town Hall for the historic event. Drawn from the Lord Mayor's Office official archives which are held by Liverpool Libraries and Record Office, it is the first time the documents have been publicly displayed.

In addition, the exhibition includes the original guest list for the event, photographs, newspaper cuttings and memorabilia.

Visitors will also be able to see a framed print of the publicity shot for the Hard Day's Night film, which depicts John, Paul, Ringo and George sat in directors chairs. Four replica directors chairs will be on display at the exhibition beneath the print, giving fans the chance to put themselves in the Fab Four's shoes and create their own version of the iconic image.

Liverpool City Council's executive member for libraries, Councillor Colin Eldridge said: "This is a fantastic exhibition, which tells one of the most amazing stories in the history of popular music. Another Hard Day's Night captures a hugely significant period in The Beatles' remarkable history, a time when four local lads returned to their home city as bonafide superstars.

"The exhibition features a number of documents never seen by the public before and will be of huge interest to historians, music fans and visitors from all over the world. With tens of thousands of tourists now converging on our city to see the European Capital of Culture for themselves, this exhibition couldn't have come at a better time. It's a fantastic boost to our celebrations."

Customer Service Manager at Liverpool Central Library, John Keane, said: "This important exhibition tells the story of four men from Liverpool who influenced popular music in a way that, perhaps, will never be seen again. I'm sure it will bring great joy and excitement to people from all over the world, and it's a great way for Liverpool Central Library to begin the Capital of Culture year.

Another Hard Day's Night is being supported by BBC Radio Merseyside and the Hard Day's Night Hotel, which opens for business in the city on 1st February.

The exhibition runs from 17th January until 17th February 2008
Picton Reading Room, Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW.
The city's Beatles archives will continue to be available to the public by appointment at the Record Office, Central Library, after the exhibition closes.

'I have really enjoyed reading your fan club magazines and I am proud to wear the fan club pin' - Terje Solbakken, Norway.

Join the British Beatles Fan Club!

'I spent a wonderful year reading your magazine, which I find very interesting and I hope you'll carry on the good job.' - Dimitris Tacticos, Greece.

'Thanks for the badge and membership card. I wear the badge on my school uniform blazer, which is breaking the school dress code slightly as badges aren't allowed. I don't think the teachers mind much though as it's a band they like as well!' - Roisin Mulligan, age 15.