World première of Yellow Submarine – 17 July 1968

Name: World première of Yellow Submarine
Start: 1968-07-17
Location: London Pavilion

July 15, 2026

Wednesday 17 July 1968 | London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, London

The world première of The Beatles' animated feature film Yellow Submarine took place on the evening of 17 July 1968 at the London Pavilion on Piccadilly Circus. Although the group had largely retreated from the public eye in recent months — following their trip to India and the recording of the White Album — their popularity remained undiminished. As with their previous film openings, large crowds turned out, blocking streets and bringing traffic to a standstill.

Who Attended

George Harrison and Pattie Harrison, Ringo Starr and Maureen Starkey, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono all attended. The only Beatle to arrive alone was Paul McCartney, whose fiancée Jane Asher was absent. Three days later, she announced the end of their relationship on BBC television.

Among the other guests were The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards, plus members of The Who, Status Quo and Grapefruit.

The After-Party

After the première, The Beatles went to a celebratory party at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, where the in-house discothèque was renamed Yellow Submarine for the occasion — a name it retained for several years after.

At the party, Paul McCartney spoke to Clem Curtis, lead singer of The Foundations, for whom he promised to write a song.

Key Facts

Date	Wednesday 17 July 1968
Venue	London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, London
Film	Yellow Submarine (animated feature)
Beatles present	John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
After-party venue	Royal Lancaster Hotel, London

The London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus — venue for the world première of Yellow Submarine on 17 July 1968.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the world première of Yellow Submarine?

The world première of Yellow Submarine took place at the London Pavilion on Piccadilly Circus on 17 July 1968.

Did all four Beatles attend the Yellow Submarine première?

Yes. All four Beatles attended the première. John Lennon came with Yoko Ono, George Harrison with Pattie Harrison, Ringo Starr with Maureen Starkey, and Paul McCartney arrived alone as his fiancée Jane Asher was absent.

What happened at the Yellow Submarine after-party?

The after-party was held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, where the in-house discothèque was renamed Yellow Submarine for the occasion. Paul McCartney met Clem Curtis of The Foundations and promised to write a song for him.

Why did Paul McCartney arrive alone at the Yellow Submarine première?

Paul McCartney's fiancée Jane Asher was absent from the première. Three days later, on 20 July 1968, she announced the end of their relationship on BBC television.