A concert to celebrate 60 years since The Beatles played in Mansfield is to be held at Forest Town Arena.

The website thegranadamansfield.co.uk is putting on the gig, in association with Mansfield 103.2.

The Fab Four came to Mansfield on two tours in early 1963, just before Beatlemania took hold in the UK.

On their first visit, to the Granada Mansfield on 23rd February they were supporting Helen Shapiro, alongside other artists. They returned on 26th March, supporting headliners Tommy Roe and Chris Montez.

The second date came after The Beatles scored their first Number One single with Please Please Me — and by the end of the tour promoters had moved them to the top of the bill.

Local radio presenter and historian Ian Watkins, is the brains behind the 60-year celebration event and thegranadamansfield.co.uk, which celebrates the now demolished former town centre venue.

“I’ve been a Beatles fan all my life and my dad actually went to the original concerts,” he said.

“Ten years ago we got the Hey Beatles to perform and we wanted to get them back. The show in March happens at the start of BST, Beatles Summer Time, and will be a great evening of entertainment and stories.

“Alongside The Hey Beatles we have a little support line-up too, just like back in the day, with local singer Olly Hayes and the Granada’s last organist, Alan Wilson, making appearances on the bill. It’s just great to celebrate this local connection.”

The ‘It Was 60 Years Ago Today’ celebration show takes place on Sunday, 26th March, at Forest Town Arena, with tickets, priced £12.50, available from the arena or by calling Ian on 07496 082227.

For more information go to thegranadamansfield.co.uk