Following the release of their first single in decades, we are looking back to when The Beatles made the journey to Ipswich 60 years ago. 

The band released Now and Then on Thursday which has been 45 years in the making and is on course to become the band's 18th number one single.

It would also be their first chart-topper in 54 years, with the last being The Ballad Of John And Yoko in 1969.

The Beatles came to the Gaumont Theatre, now known as The Regent, twice during their early years.  

The doors to their Ipswich first concert swung open on May 22, 1963. At the time, the Fab Four were just making a name for themselves, and tirelessly touring the UK.  

The then-Evening Star newspaper described them as a “hit parade musical group,” tucking away a brief story containing just one photo and no review on page 13 of the newspaper.  

Ipswich Star: When The Beatles first came to Ipswich, then then-Evening Star newspaper described them as a 'hit parade musical group'.When The Beatles first came to Ipswich, then then-Evening Star newspaper described them as a 'hit parade musical group'. (Image: Newsquest)

‘Beatlemania’ steadily grew, and by the time the band returned in October 1964, they were international stars and well and truly front-page news. 

The two-day concert beginning on Halloween was the 18th date in the group’s 1964 UK Tour. Their set contained some of their best loved hits, including A Hard Day’s Night, Can’t Buy Me Love and Twist and Shout. 

 They were reportedly paid £850, which would be worth around £17,000 today.  

Crowds gathered outside The Gaumont as soon as tickets went on sale in August. 

Roy Bacon was 14, and remembers queueing up all night to buy his tickets.

"They were amazing, way ahead of the time," said Mr Bacon, now 72. "I was still at school at the time and loved the Beatles and still do. What a night, it was unforgettable."

Ipswich Star: Schoolfriends Susan Collins, Denise Durrant and Julie Pettit spent many hours hand sewing the 'Beatles' onto our T-shirts from different coloured pieces of felt.Schoolfriends Susan Collins, Denise Durrant and Julie Pettit spent many hours hand sewing the 'Beatles' onto our T-shirts from different coloured pieces of felt. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: Schoolfriends Susan Collins, Denise Durrant and Julie Pettit clutching their Beatles tickets. Schoolfriends Susan Collins, Denise Durrant and Julie Pettit clutching their Beatles tickets. (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: A fan proudly clutches her Beatles ticket.A fan proudly clutches her Beatles ticket. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: Fans began queuing up to buy tickets for the Beatles' 1964 concert in August of that year. Fans began queuing up to buy tickets for the Beatles' 1964 concert in August of that year. (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Fans excitedly wait to buy their Beatles tickets. Fans excitedly wait to buy their Beatles tickets. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: Fans wait to buy their Beatles tickets. Fans wait to buy their Beatles tickets. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: Fans wait to buy their Beatles tickets. Fans wait to buy their Beatles tickets. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: Fans wait to buy their Beatles tickets. Fans wait to buy their Beatles tickets. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: Fans proudly show off their Beatles tickets. Fans proudly show off their Beatles tickets. (Image: Newsquest)

Six decades on from their visit to the town, they are back with the track Now and Then, which has been billed as The Beatles’ final song.

John Lennon first wrote the ballad during the late 70s and recorded a demo in 1977 at his home in New York City. In 1994, Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono gave the recordings to Sir Paul McCartney.  

After more than 40 years, the song was finally finished in the studio by McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr.

The song features all four of the original Beatles, with the late band member George Harrison appearing via rhythm guitar parts he recorded in 1995. 

The track was released on Thursday, November 2, as a double A-side single with The Beatles' 1962 debut Love Me Do.

What are your memories? Email abygail.fossett@newsquest.co.uk