Taken in The Beatles Story exhibition in Liverpool.

During the days of the burgeoning Liverpool Sound the venue began to be used for a series of spectacular dance promotions, the first beginning on 10 November 1961 under the name 'Operation Big Beat.'

The show opened at 7.30pm and the Beatles appeared at 8pm. They then fulfilled another engagement at Knotty Ash Village Hall before returning for their second Tower appearance that evening at 11.30pm. Tickets for the event had been sold for weeks in advance at NEMS Whitechapel store, which was managed by Brian Epstein. Epstein had been aware of their existence for months and this was yet another example to disprove his disingenuous claim that he only heard about them when a boy walked into his store on 28 October.

The first Operation Big Beat event drew an audience of 3,000 people. The groups appearing were the Beatles, Rory Storm & the Hurricanes, Gerry & the Pacemakers, the Remo Four, Earl Preston & the Tempest Tornadoes and Faron's Flamingos.

Late night transport had to be arranged with the various local authorities as the event took place between 7.30pm and 2.00am. Tickets cost 6/- (30p).

An added treat for the audience was the appearance of Emile Ford, who'd had several hits, including 'What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?' and 'Slow Boat to China.' He got up on stage and sang with Rory Storm & the Hurricanes while American singer Davy Jones joined the Beatles on stage and sang two numbers with them.