Tuesday 17 July 1962 | McIlroy's Ballroom, Havelock Square, Swindon, Wiltshire
The Beatles' only live performance in Swindon, Wiltshire took place at McIlroy's Ballroom in Havelock Square on 17 July 1962. They played two 60-minute sets to an audience of 360 people and were paid £27 10s for the evening. The venue's capacity was five times that number.
McIlroy's Ballroom — known locally as 'Macs' and billed as the “Showplace of the West” — hosted live beat music events every Tuesday night in 1962, though its Thursday night jazz shows were better attended.
The Promoters: Jaybee Clubs
The show was promoted by Jaybee Clubs, run by Bill Fraser Reid and Jack Fallon. The Beatles had previously played one of their Jaybee Club shows on 31 March 1962 in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
“They were a very unusual band. They just turned up in a van, got out and got up on stage. They were entirely different to the other bands around at the time, who were playing in gold lamé costumes. People kept telling us they were going to have a hit record, but we heard this all the time.”
— Bill Reid, promoter. Swindon In The News, John Hudson
Key Facts
| Date | Tuesday 17 July 1962 |
| Venue | McIlroy's Ballroom, Havelock Square, Swindon |
| Sets | Two 60-minute sets |
| Attendance | 360 |
| Fee | £27 10s |
| Promoter | Jaybee Clubs (Bill Fraser Reid & Jack Fallon) |
| Only Beatles appearance in Swindon? | Yes |
Havelock Square, Swindon — the site of McIlroy's Ballroom, where The Beatles performed their only Swindon show on 17 July 1962.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Did The Beatles ever play in Swindon?
Yes. The Beatles played their only Swindon show at McIlroy's Ballroom, Havelock Square on 17 July 1962. They performed two 60-minute sets to an audience of 360 people and were paid £27 10s.
What was McIlroy's Ballroom in Swindon?
McIlroy's Ballroom, known locally as 'Macs' and billed as the "Showplace of the West", was a dance venue in Havelock Square, Swindon. In 1962 it hosted live beat music events every Tuesday night.
Who promoted The Beatles' Swindon show?
The show was promoted by Jaybee Clubs, run by Bill Fraser Reid and Jack Fallon. The Beatles had previously played a Jaybee Club show in Stroud, Gloucestershire on 31 March 1962.
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