Rare Beatles concert poster from North Wales tour put up for auction by folk singer Mary Hopkin

The Beatles tour of North Wales as they were on the cusp of super-stardom in August 1963 is etched in the memories of all those who were lucky enough to see them.

They were on their way to fame that summer thanks to the release of Love Me Do, Please Please Me and From Me to You.

Despite being in hot demand the Fab Four were obliged to complete a tour of smaller venues around the UK, including a series of dates at The Odeon and The Pier Pavilion in Llandudno.

Now a poster promoting the August concerts at the Odeon has been entered for auction by Welsh folk-singer Mary Hopkin who was one of the first acts to be signed to The Beatles’ Apple label.

The Beatles in Bangor during August 1967 with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
The Beatles in Bangor during August 1967 with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

The singer, now living in South Wales, entered the poster to auction at the company’s saleroom in Cardiff together with a collection of her 1960s stage clothing.

It will be auctioned at Rogers Jones & Co in Colwyn Bay on May 23 with an estimate of between £400-£800.

David Rogers Jones, of Rogers Jones and Co auctioneers in Colwyn Bay, will be auctioning this rare poster advertising The Beatles concert at The Odeon in Llandudno in 1963.
David Rogers Jones, of Rogers Jones and Co auctioneers in Colwyn Bay, will be auctioning this rare poster advertising The Beatles concert at The Odeon in Llandudno in 1963.

Auctioneer Ben Rogers Jones said: “It was right that the poster should be delivered to our auction rooms in Colwyn Bay, only three miles from the venue where The Beatles played that night.

“My hope is that it will go to somebody local to the area who was at the gig but there’s sure to be huge interest from elsewhere as the market for Beatles memorabilia is colossal.

“Original and rare items like these are collected around the globe. It could go anywhere but my fingers are crossed for a local collector or perhaps a hotel in the area to buy it.”

The shows at the Odeon began at 6.30pm and 8.50pm, and tickets were priced at 4/6d, 6/6d and 8/6d.

Also on the bill for the week were Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, the Lana Sisters, Sons of Piltdown Men, Tommy Wallis and Beryl, and Tommy Quickly and the compère was Billy Baxter.

David Rogers Jones, of Rogers Jones and Co auctioneers in Colwyn Bay, will be auctioning this rare poster advertising The Beatles concert at The Odeon in Llandudno in 1963.
David Rogers Jones, of Rogers Jones and Co auctioneers in Colwyn Bay, will be auctioning this rare poster advertising The Beatles concert at The Odeon in Llandudno in 1963.

After the performance The Beatles returned to Liverpool for the night to celebrate the news that their Twist & Shout EP had won a silver disc for sales of over 250,000.

■ The poster will be sold as part of Rogers Jones & Co’s auction of Antiques and Fine Art on May 23 in Colwyn Bay. www.rogersjones.co.uk .

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