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The Beatles Story, Liverpool

The Beatles Story in Liverpool's Albert Dock has a display arranged into eighteen different sections following the band's career through from their early years, to their break up and solo careers. The stage is well set with a section on the history of skiffle, a style of music which allowed anyone to have a go. Instruments were largely home made and no formal musical training was necessary. Cheap guitars, basic drum kits, washboards, and tea chest bases of the Quarrymen days begin the tour. Then the tour moves into a recreated Cavern, a dark street in Hamburg, and into a remarkable section where a powerful speaker system recreates the experience of being in the middle of Beatlemania. An interior of the Yellow Submarine leads through the final years, and an audio visual consideration of each Beatle. The Beatles Story describes not only the story of the group but of a profound cultural shift. Categories of importance were breaking down. Just as washboards could be used to make music, so the subjects of music could include ordinary streets in Liverpool, and zebra crossings in London. Categories of importance were breaking down, popping bubbles of conceit, as well as creating a sense of importance in seemingly unpromising places.

There is an audio tour, a restaurant, and a gift shop selling Beatles merchandise.

Opening Times: Open seven days a week all year 9am - 7pm, except 25th and 26th December. Last admission is 5pm.

Address: The Beatles Story, Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD

Directions: Follow the M62 into Liverpool, and at the end of the motorway follow the brown tourist signs to the Albert Dock. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Beatles Story.

Access: The Beatles Story is wheelchair accessible. There are steps at the entrance, but a visitor lift can be used. A helper should go to reception and ask for help operating the lift.

Contact:

telephone: 0151 709 1963

fax: 0151 708 0039

e-mail: info@beatlesstory.com