The Beatles live: Riverpark Ballroom, Chester

The Beatles played at the Riverpark Ballroom in Chester on four Thursdays in the summer of 1962. This was the third show.

Tickets to the “non-stop twist & jive” cost three shillings, and the night lasted from 7.30-11pm. Supporting The Beatles were Gerry and the Pacemakers, and the compere was the Cavern Club’s DJ, Bob Wooler.

The group’s other performances at the venue were on 16 and 23 August, and 13 September 1962.

The building, at 2 Union Street, Chester, was originally the King’s Arms Tavern. In the early 20th century it was enlarged and became the Grosvenor Skating Rink, then the Broadway Dancing Academy Ballroom, known as the Ack. In the 1950s it was renamed the Riverpark Ballroom, but closed in 1963 and was later demolished. It is now the site of a bank’s office.