This year’s International Beatles Week, as every year, culminates on the Sunday with the Beatles Convention at the Adelphi Hotel. The now familiar format of guest speakers, live music, films and dealer room has remained little change in forty years. For many, however, it is the getting together with friends in the Beatles community that is the most enjoyable component and draws us back year after year.

The unveiling of a statue of Brian Epstein in Whitechapel, just a stone’s throw from the site of the former NEMS office, portrays Brian walking towards the Cavern Club in Mathew Street and is another Beatles landmark in the city which attracted much attention during the week.

The increasing distance we find ourselves from the events of the sixties means that the number of Beatles speakers of interest that could attend conventions is diminishing year by year and this was evident this year in Liverpool. The headline speakers of Earl Slick and Joey Molland were as entertaining as ever.

The number of people in attendance appeared to be slightly increased upon last year and it was welcome to hear more foreign accents around the Adelphi. This may indicate that the effects of the Covid Pandemic are not as impactful as they had been last year.

Another highlight of this year was the presentation of a pre-release version of the “Here There & Everywhere” movie. The movie which is a compendium of stories and performances made by fans for fans is a fabulous portrayal of what it means to be a fan from many perspectives. The movie which has been passionately steered by Director Simon Weitzman and Editor Andy Lee is a testament to their ongoing dedication to see bring this project to completion and I look forward to its formal release in the not too distant future.

Next year will mark the fortieth anniversary of my first visit to the Liverpool Beatles Convention and I look forward to enjoying the familiar features and meeting up with Beatle pals too. See you next year …

Gwyn Jenkins.