Those in attendance saw 12 local bands perform all 13 albums recorded by the Fab Four, with the event lasting from 12pm until 11pm. The event enjoyed a real family friendly feel, with kids entertainment available for most of the day upstairs, and fans aged from babies to pensioners enjoying the live music on offer all day.
Brothers Stuart and Scott McGachan co-founded The Beatles Marathon UK last year in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – a charity founded by rugby player Doddie Weir OBE, dedicated to funding research into Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
In 2021, their father Pat McGachan was diagnosed with MND, with his health quickly deteriorating over the next couple of years, and Pat sadly passed away 10 days before the inaugural Beatles Marathon in November, 2023.
Taking to Facebook on Saturday night, organisers said: “Today has been absolutely fantastic, and it was great to see ~500 of you join us at @portobellotownhall, including volunteers!
“We are proud to have put on this special event in Pat's memory, raising valuable money for @myname5doddie - helping them to raise money to find a cure for Motor Neuron Disease.
5. Ukulele band
This ukulele band played Beatles classics at the front of the town hall and in between performances inside throughout the day. Temporarily renamed just for The Beatles Marathon, Uke O Ono ordinarily go by the name Ukehoot. | Dan Chorley
6. Kids entertainment
Kids enjoyed lots of fun free activities upstairs at Portobello Town Hall during the Beatles Marathon UK 2024 in Edinburgh. | Dan Chorley
7. Thirsty work
The Beatles fans were kept fed and watered with food venders and the bar doing a roaring trade throughout the day. Those in attendance were given special pint cups to keep for refills all day, covered in the tartan logo of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. | Dan Chorley
8. A marathon not a sprint
Those in attendance at the Beatles Marathon were given wrist bands so they could come and go when they pleased, with many pacing themselves and nipping down to the beach for some nice sea air and a break in between performances. | National World Photo: Kevin Quinn