Former ballroom where the Beatles first played their debut single to be sold

The former Majestic Ballroom in Birkenhead, known as the place where the Beatles first performed their debut single Love Me Do, is being sold at auction next month.

The 10,000 sq ft property was built as a cinema in 1916 and served as a dance hall and gig venue throughout the 1960s.

Between 1961 and 1963, the Fab Four made 17 appearances at the Majestic Ballroom, then owned by the Top Rank entertainment group.

At one sell-out appearance, so many people turned up that management had to arrange two further shows to accommodate disappointed fans who missed out.

The venue also saw late pop legend Cilla Black give her first, unsuccessful, audition for music entrepreneur and Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

Other music acts to play at the Majestic Ballroom over the years included the Rolling Stones and the Searchers.

Now, the property will go under the hammer at auctioneer Pugh’s next North West property auction, to be held in Manchester on December 5. It will have a guide price of £175k.

Paul Thompson, managing director at Pugh, said: “It’s a privilege to be auctioning a property which gained legendary status in a decade that was groundbreaking for the music scene in Liverpool, and when the city was propelled on to the world stage.

“This is an exciting time for Birkenhead, with £1bn of regeneration at key Wirral development sites including Birkenhead town centre announced by the council just last month.”

He continued: “With the relevant planning consent, the Majestic Ballroom could be redeveloped for a variety of leisure uses as it’s in a great central location, close to the main shopping and entertainment area of town. It would be fantastic if we could see the building restored to its former glory.”

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