UK première of Let It Be

The Beatles’ final film Let It Be had its British première on this day, with simultaneous screenings in the north and south of England. None of the group attended either.

The southern event was held at the London Pavilion, with guests including Richard Lester, Mary Hopkin, Spike Milligan, Lulu, Simon Dee and EMI boss Sir Joseph Lockwood. Several members of The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac also attended, as did around 50 Hare Krishna followers.

Although The Beatles didn’t attend, two notable figures from their past were present. Cynthia Lennon and Jane Asher were among the invited guests, two years after they split from John Lennon and Paul McCartney respectively.

Let It Be ran at the 1,004-seat London Pavilion until 23 June. In its first week on release it was screened 41 times with box office receipts of £6,229.

The northern première took place, aptly, in Liverpool, at a relatively quiet private screening at the Gaumont Cinema. Both this and the London showing began at 8.45pm. Let It Be went on general release the following day.