Let It Be Press Screening at the London Pavilion – 18 May 1970
Monday 18 May 1970 | Film and Video, Let It Be
London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, London
On 18 May 1970, a press screening of Let It Be — The Beatles' third and final feature film — was held at the London Pavilion at 10.30am. The screening took place two days before the film's UK premiere on 20 May 1970. On the same day, the Let It Be album was released in the United States.
The London Pavilion
The London Pavilion at Piccadilly Circus was one of the most prestigious cinema venues in Britain and a natural choice for a Beatles film event. It had hosted the world premiere of A Hard Day's Night on 6 July 1964, attended by Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon, and the world premiere of Help! on 29 July 1965, also attended by Princess Margaret. The Let It Be UK premiere on 20 May 1970 would follow the same tradition — though without the royal attendance and without any of The Beatles present.
The Film
Let It Be was directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and documented the January 1969 sessions during which The Beatles rehearsed and recorded at Twickenham Film Studios and their Apple Corps basement studio at 3 Savile Row. The film culminated in the rooftop concert on 30 January 1969 — The Beatles' final public performance — on the roof of the Apple Corps building.
The film had been completed and ready for release in 1969 but was held back, partly due to the deteriorating relationships within the group and partly due to disputes over the album. Phil Spector was brought in to produce the final album in March–April 1970, and the film and album were released together in May 1970 — after Paul McCartney had publicly announced his departure from The Beatles on 10 April.
18 May 1970: Two Events on the Same Day
The press screening of the Let It Be film on 18 May 1970 coincided with the US release of the Let It Be album — making it one of the most significant single days in the final chapter of The Beatles' story. The group had already effectively ceased to exist: McCartney had announced his departure five weeks earlier, and the legal proceedings that would formally dissolve the partnership were already under way.
Key Facts: 18 May 1970
- Event: Press screening of Let It Be
- Venue: London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, London
- Time: 10.30am
- UK premiere: 20 May 1970 (two days later)
- Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg
- Also on 18 May 1970: US release of the Let It Be album
- Previous Beatles premieres at London Pavilion: A Hard Day's Night (6 July 1964); Help! (29 July 1965)
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Let It Be film press screening?
18 May 1970 at 10.30am at the London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus — two days before the UK premiere on 20 May.
When was the UK premiere of Let It Be?
20 May 1970 at the London Pavilion, with simultaneous screenings in London and Liverpool. None of The Beatles attended.
Who directed Let It Be?
Michael Lindsay-Hogg, who had previously directed many of The Beatles' promotional films and the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.
What does the Let It Be film show?
The January 1969 recording and rehearsal sessions at Twickenham Film Studios and the Apple Corps basement studio, culminating in the rooftop concert on 30 January 1969 — The Beatles' final public performance.
Why was Let It Be delayed?
The film was ready in 1969 but held back due to deteriorating relationships within the group and disputes over the album. Phil Spector produced the final album in March–April 1970, and both film and album were released in May 1970.
→ 18 May 1970: Let It Be – US Album Release
→ 20 May 1970: UK Première of Let It Be
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