BEATLES nostalgia took over Rhyl High Street as the town celebrated its part in musical history.

The special event at the weekend, organised by Rhyl Town Council, featured tribute band The Cavernites.

Crowds quickly swelled around a custom made stage as the group recreated the vibrant sounds and atmosphere of the swinging Sixties with a performance of classic Beatles hits.

A team of stilt-walkers added to the electric mood.

The event marked 55 years since The Beatles played in Rhyl’s Regent Dansette Ballroom, now home to Burton and Dorothy Perkins, on Saturday, July 14, 1962, heralding the start of what was to become Beatlemania.

Cllr Alan James, Mayor of Rhyl, said: “A blue plaque marks the spot where The Beatles performed but not everybody is aware of the role Rhyl played in the band’s history.

“Their High Street performance came ahead of Beatlemania and was the band’s first visit to Wales.

“We’re pleased to have been able to bring a little of that magic back with The Cavernites – a local tribute band with a national following, who brought their best of The Beatles to Rhyl for our event.”

At the time of their first Rhyl performance, The Beatles
line-up was John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and drummer Pete Best who left the band a month after their appearance at the Dansette.

Glenn Mitchell, of The Cavernites, added: “Rhyl has a rich Beatles history with the band staying at The Westminster Hotel for their first show here.

“It’s always a pleasure to play in our home town and to bring a little of this history to life.”