Film buffs and concert-goers recently came together to mark the 70th anniversary of a local pub that once thrived as a vibrant theater. Located in Gloucester, The Regal first opened on March 19, 1956, rapidly evolving into a glamorous hotspot that hosted legendary acts like The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Lonnie Donegan, and The Walker Brothers before being rebranded as the ABC in 1963.

Beyond the music, the venue holds a special place in the hearts of movie lovers who remember flocking there to see blockbusters such as E.T. and Star Wars.

“There’s something special about sitting on that stage and enjoying a meal of ham, eggs, and chips right where the Beatles once stood,” noted Lorraine Campbell, who coordinated the celebration alongside her husband, Ross.

Although the building now operates as a J D Wetherspoon pub, its rich history took center stage during a 70th-birthday bash held this past Thursday.

A highlight of that legacy remains March 1963, when the “Fab Four” graced the stage just days before their debut album, Please Please Me, officially hit the shelves.