19 Aug, 2016

Do you want to know a secret? The Beatles Artwork is ready at Town Hall

The Lord Mayor, with a little help from his friends, has launched the exciting new The Beatles Commemorative Art Installation on Town Hall’s balcony.

The launch was part of Adelaide Town Hall’s 150th Anniversary celebrations and special guests to Help! celebrate included Jim Slade. During the ‘60s and ‘70s Jim had the good fortune to be a radio presenter and DJ who happened to be in the right place at the right time – meeting and interviewing The Beatles in Adelaide.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said Council was proud to approve the construction of the art installation and was excited to Come Together with special guests for the unveiling.

“We have all been anticipating the launch of this piece of art which gives an Adelaide Day Tripper yet another good reason to visit our beautiful Town Hall,” said Martin.

“I know people have been working Eight Days a Week behind the scenes to get this impressive installation ready and I can see visitors coming in droves to get their selfie with The Beatles on Town Hall’s balcony.

“It’ll be anything but A Hard Day’s Night as we gather to celebrate Town Hall’s 150th Birthday with a unique piece of public art that will be here for generations to come.”

On 12 June 1964, Beatlemania hit Adelaide with more than 300,000 people lining Anzac Highway and King William Street to welcome The Beatles. The band greeted the crowd from the Adelaide Town Hall Balcony and it was the largest gathering they had attracted anywhere in the world.

Jim Slade said it was an honour to return to Town Hall and be a part of the celebrations.

“It’s great to be back at Town Hall to help launch the artwork and reflect on one of the most remarkable and exciting days in our city’s history,” said Jim.

“It was truly amazing to be caught up in the middle of such an experience. Nothing like it had happened anywhere before and probably never will again.”

People can visit Town Hall to view the artwork from Monday 22 August.

Matt Halliwell