Hundreds turn out to see Jacaranda Beatles plaque unveiling followed by surprise performance by local heroes

The Jacaranda was honoured with a commemorative plaque from World Origin Site over the bank holiday weekend, 23rd August.

We were packed on all three floors of The Jacaranda, and even the street outside was filled with hundreds of people who came to see the plaque being unveiled. The plaque was unveiled by Leah Williams, daughter of Allan Williams, the founder of The Jacaranda and former manager of The Beatles, alongside Graham Stanley, the current Director of The Jacaranda.

The day was a celebration of live music, with many bands that had played some of their first gigs here at The Jacaranda returning to show their appreciation. The big surprise of the event was a performance by The Zutons. Frontman Dave McCabe, who had played with members of The Zutons at The Jacaranda nearly 25 years ago, before they officially became a band, made the moment even more special.

Fans posed for photos with The Zutons after their set at The Jacaranda

The day featured a total of 12 hours of live music, with performances by Red Rum Club, MT Jones, and The Cheap Thrills. The event also attracted plenty of Beatles and Liverpool royalty, including John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird, The Beatles’ secretary, Freda Kelly, and Holly Johnson from Frankie Goes To Hollywood, among many others.

In August 1960, here at The Jacaranda on Slater Street in Liverpool, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison played alongside Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best for their first performance under the name that was to make musical history, The Beatles.

Today, while still embracing our Beatles heritage, The Jacaranda thrives as more than a simple tourist spot. We host live music every night, serving as a vital hub for grassroots performances and sustaining Liverpool’s musical heritage and future.

World Origin Site places plaques at pivotal locations where groundbreaking events shaped the modern world. Among its accredited sites are landmarks such as the first rocket launch, the Wright brothers’ inaugural powered flight, and the discovery of penicillin. The plaque here at The Jacaranda marking The Beatles’ first performance will proudly join this esteemed company.