Saturday 12 August 1961 | Live
| Venue | Aintree Institute, Longmoor Lane, Aintree, Liverpool |
| Promoter | Brian Kelly (Beekay Promotions) |
| Significance | 21st Beatles performance at Aintree Institute; first of seven consecutive Saturday night bookings |
The Beatles performed at Aintree Institute on Longmoor Lane, Aintree, Liverpool on 12 August 1961. It was their 21st performance at the venue, and the first of seven consecutive Saturday night bookings arranged by promoter Brian Kelly of Beekay Promotions.
Aintree Institute
Aintree Institute was one of the most popular jive clubs in Liverpool in the early 1960s. It was situated on Longmoor Lane in Aintree, behind the Black Bull club, close to the famous Aintree Racecourse — home of the annual Grand National horse race. The venue was demolished in 2007.
Brian Kelly was one of the most important promoters of the early Liverpool beat scene. Trading as Beekay Promotions, he ran regular dances at Aintree Institute and other Liverpool venues, and was one of the first promoters to recognise The Beatles’ commercial potential. He booked the group repeatedly throughout 1961, giving them a reliable income and a loyal local audience during the period when they were building their reputation.
The Beatles — officially licensed merch
The Beatles: The Cavern T-Shirt (Black).
The Beatles at Aintree Institute: all dates
The Beatles performed at Aintree Institute on 31 occasions in total, between their first appearance and January 1962. The full list of dates:
- 7, 13, 14, 18, 21, 27 and 28 January 1961
- 8, 10, 15, 18, 22 and 25 February 1961
- 1, 4, 8 and 11 March 1961
- 21 and 28 July 1961
- 4, 12, 18, 19 and 26 August 1961
- 2, 9, 16 and 23 September 1961
- 28 October 1961
- 11 November 1961
- 27 January 1962
The seven consecutive Saturday night bookings beginning on 12 August 1961 ran through to 23 September 1961, reflecting the strength of the group’s relationship with Brian Kelly and the popularity of their Aintree Institute appearances.
The Beatles — officially licensed merch
The Beatles: Love Me Do Graffiti Heart T-Shirt (Black).
Aintree Institute, Liverpool
Longmoor Lane, Aintree, Liverpool — the former site of Aintree Institute, where The Beatles performed 31 times between 1961 and 1962. The venue was demolished in 2007.
Key Facts
| Date | Saturday 12 August 1961 |
| Venue | Aintree Institute, Longmoor Lane, Aintree, Liverpool |
| Promoter | Brian Kelly, Beekay Promotions |
| Performance number | 21st at Aintree Institute |
| Total appearances | 31 (January 1961 – January 1962) |
| Venue status | Demolished 2007 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Aintree Institute?
Aintree Institute was located on Longmoor Lane in Aintree, Liverpool, behind the Black Bull club and close to Aintree Racecourse, home of the Grand National. It was demolished in 2007.
How many times did The Beatles play at Aintree Institute?
The Beatles performed at Aintree Institute on 31 occasions between January 1961 and January 1962.
Who was Brian Kelly?
Brian Kelly was a Liverpool promoter who traded as Beekay Promotions. He was one of the most important figures in the early Liverpool beat scene and one of the first promoters to recognise The Beatles' commercial potential, booking them repeatedly throughout 1961.
What was Aintree Institute?
Aintree Institute was a popular jive club in Liverpool in the early 1960s, situated on Longmoor Lane in Aintree near the Grand National racecourse. It was one of the key venues on the Liverpool beat circuit.
→ Pete Best auditions for The Beatles – 12 August 1960
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
→ August in Beatles History
→ On This Day in Beatles History
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