Wednesday 8 August 1962 | Co-op Ballroom, corner of Duke Street and St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, Yorkshire
On 8 August 1962, The Beatles performed at the Co-op Ballroom in Doncaster, Yorkshire — their only appearance at the venue. The ballroom stood on the corner of Duke Street and St Sepulchre Gate. By this point The Beatles were regularly performing on Wednesday evenings at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, but adjusted their schedule to fulfil this booking 86 miles away in Doncaster.
The Co-op Ballroom
The Co-op Ballroom was one of many dance halls across the north of England that hosted touring beat groups in the early 1960s. The venue was later renamed the Emporium Ballroom. The Beatles were booked to return there on 23 January 1963, but that engagement was cancelled and they performed at the Cavern Club instead.
In total, The Beatles performed in Doncaster on five occasions. The other dates were 5 February, 20 February, 22 March and 10 December 1963.
The Beatles 1962 — officially licensed merch
The Beatles 1962 T-Shirt in sand.
The Beatles in August 1962
August 1962 was a momentous month for The Beatles. Pete Best had been replaced by Ringo Starr on 18 August 1962, just ten days after this Doncaster show. The Co-op Ballroom performance therefore took place with the original four-piece line-up of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Pete Best.
The group were also on the cusp of their recording breakthrough. Their debut single ‘Love Me Do’ would be released on 5 October 1962, recorded at EMI Studios in Abbey Road on 4 and 11 June 1962. The Doncaster show came at a moment when The Beatles were still primarily a live act, building their reputation show by show across the north of England.
The Beatles 1962 — officially licensed merch
Beatles Cavern Shots 1962 T-Shirt in black.
Key Facts
| Date | Wednesday 8 August 1962 |
| Venue | Co-op Ballroom, corner of Duke Street and St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster |
| Line-up | John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best |
| Distance from Liverpool | 86 miles |
| Venue later renamed | Emporium Ballroom |
| Cancelled return booking | 23 January 1963 (replaced by Cavern Club show) |
| Other Doncaster dates | 5 Feb, 20 Feb, 22 Mar, 10 Dec 1963 |
The former Co-op Ballroom site, corner of Duke Street and St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster — where The Beatles performed on 8 August 1962.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did The Beatles play in Doncaster?
Yes. The Beatles performed in Doncaster on five occasions: 8 August 1962 at the Co-op Ballroom, and 5 February, 20 February, 22 March and 10 December 1963.
What was the Co-op Ballroom in Doncaster?
The Co-op Ballroom was a dance venue on the corner of Duke Street and St Sepulchre Gate in Doncaster, Yorkshire. It was later renamed the Emporium Ballroom. The Beatles played there once, on 8 August 1962.
Who was in The Beatles in August 1962?
In August 1962, The Beatles comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Pete Best. Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best on 18 August 1962, ten days after the Doncaster show.
When was The Beatles’ first single released?
The Beatles’ debut single ‘Love Me Do’ was released on 5 October 1962, recorded at EMI Studios in Abbey Road on 4 and 11 June 1962.
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