Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles Throughout 2012

Abbey Road Studios, Liverpool, England.

2012 marks 50 years since The Beatles first single was realeased, Love Me Do on October 5th, 1962. This was also the year that they signed to EMI records and Ringo joined the band. 1962 was a landmark year for a band that went on to change music.

The Beatles began their career in Liverpool in England’s North but they soon moved to London, the city synonymous with their fame and Beatlemania. London was also the home to the Swinging Sixties which The Beatles famously kicked off with their musical and fashion innovations. Although there were rumors of a reunion for the 2012 London Olympics these have been pretty well quashed  but here are a few suggestions of what to do to mark the anniversary.

1) Abbey Road

Have your photo taken on the crossing outside the still-operating Abbey Road studios. The surprisingly small and now heritage protected recording studio is not far from Baker Street Station at 3 Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood in London.

2) Beatles Walk or Bus Tour

Take a guided Beatles Walk or Bus Tour and see many of the iconic places such as the house where Paul wrote Yesterday and the gallery where John met Yoko. Stand outside 57 Green Street in Mayfair where all four Beatles lived together when they first moved to London. All except Paul moved to bigger places in Surrey on the edge of London during the 1960s.

3) Carnaby Street

Just in behind Oxford Circus, this pedestrianized street is still a fashion hub although it’s more mainstream than back in the Swinging Sixties. For more cutting edge design explore the smaller streets off Carnaby Street.

4) Liverpool

Head north to Liverpool where the real focus of the 50 year celebrations will be going on all year. Events include the 20th Matthew Street Festival that annually celebrates The Beatles, an International Beatles Weekend in August, a Love Me Do Weekend in October, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra presenting the songs of Lennon/McCartney in December and a John Lennon Peace Vigil on December 9. And of course The Cavern Club will be in celebration mode particularly on August 19th, which was the date of the band’s first gig at the club.

- Philippa Burne

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s London tours and things to do, London attractions, and London travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in London for a customized tour!