Liverpool musician to lead new Beatles Legacy Group

Peter Hooton, the Liverpool musician best known as the vocalist of Scouse band The Farm, has taken the helm of a new group set up to help Liverpool unlock the full economic potential of The Beatles.

The Beatles Legacy Group has been launched followed a report published earlier this month, which claimed that the Fab Four’s ongoing legacy is worth £81.9m to the city’s economy each yearand supports 2,335 jobs.

While the study noted the success of the city’s current visitor offer, it also highlighted the challenges facing Liverpool in curating and maintaining the authenticity of The Beatles heritage for fans.

Claire McColgan MBE, the director of culture at the city council’s Culture Liverpool service, will join Peter Hooton in the group, as will Marketing Liverpool director Chris Brown and Liverpool BID Company chief executive Bill Addy.

Dr Mike Jones of the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Popular Music, who was one of the report’s authors, will also serve as a member of the group.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter Hooton said: “‘I’m delighted that I’ve been asked by the Mayor to chair the Beatles Legacy Group.

“I’ve always been passionate and proud of Liverpool’s musical heritage especially our most famous sons The Beatles.”

He continued: “I hope the Beatles Legacy group can come up with strategies and ideas to enhance the already superb attractions the city has to offer, in order to attract even more visitors in the future to our ‘City of Music’.

“The report highlighted the need to work with and engage with young people so I look forward to exploring all options around this with the group.”

The group has already held an initial meeting, where it was established this its aim is to look at the wider remit of the legacy, working with stakeholders such as organisations linked with the band and people living near key Beatles sites, such as Mathew Street and Penny Lane.

The Beatles Legacy Group will hold its first official meeting next month.

Liverpool BID Company chief exec Bill Addy commented: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to permanently cement the legacy of the Beatles into the fabric of our tourism economy in a way befitting of their stature.

“First we must identify and protect the unique physical assets that represents the core body of the Beatles experience in Liverpool and then promote this magical story to all the audiences their music continues to reach and inspire.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →