Memories of the Beatles were shared by John Lennon’s half-sister at a Women4Welfare group fundraiser for Leeds Jewish Welfare Board.

Julia Baird recalled the early days of the Fab Four, in particular a gig at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre where they were the support act to Roy Orbison.

“The fans used to scream for Sinatra, then Elvis, but this was the first time we heard it for the Beatles and it was deafening.

“You couldn’t hear anything they were singing.” The screams continued well into Orbison’s set with the audience imploring the Beatles to return to the stage.

Ms Baird also acknowledged the pivotal contribution of Brian Epstein, the band’s manager. “Without Brian, the Beatles would not have been the huge success they turned out to be.”