Beatles fans in Edinburgh to 'Come Together' for 12-hour Fab Four charity marathon
Local bands to play every Beatles album in 12-hour charity gig for MND
Beatles fans in Edinburgh are once again preparing to ‘Come Together’ for a 12-hour charity marathon celebrating the Fab Four.
Following a year off, the Edinburgh Beatles Marathon, which will raise money for MND, will return to Portobello Town Hall from midday to midnight on Saturday, November 14.
Twelve local acts, including Sebastian Dangerfield, Mountain People, Kings of Marigold, and The Bad Eggs, will each take to the stage to perform one of the 12 Beatles studio albums in full.
Beatles Marathon Edinburgh was founded by Stuart McGachan and his brother Scott in memory of their father, who died from motor neurone disease (MND) in 2023. It has so far raised more than £20,000 for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
Explaining why this Beatles event took a break last year, Stuart, who currently lives in the USA, spoke of his pride at how much the charitable concert has raised for a cause close to his heart.
He said: “We would have loved to have continued the annual theme, and that is the plan going into the future. However, two of our team got married last year and I think organising two major events would have left everyone exhausted.
“We're hoping to keep building on what has already been achieved. So far, we've raised over £20,000 for The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation through the event, but I love how we've also created our own little community of musicians and volunteers that are willing to give up their time to make this event so special and unique
“Sadly, my dad passed away a week before the first marathon from MND in 2023. He was a big Beatles guy and loved any reason to get people and musicians together.
“I currently live in Columbus, Ohio, and during the time of his illness, I found it really difficult to not be at home helping in some capacity.
“Creating the marathon was the best thing I could do to honour him and continue to share our love of The Beatles.”
Stuart revealed what people can expect at the family-friendly event, with free entry for little Beatles fans aged under six.
He said: “People can expect a 12-hour music marathon of all The Beatles music. From the first song on the first album, Please Please Me, all the way to the last song on the last album, Abbey Road.
“There will be a mix of new bands, as well as bands who have been with us from the start. We generally like to mix up the bands and albums every year to keep it fresh. It's great to see each band’s interpretation of each album.
“This will be our third year, and second at Portobello Town Hall. I think what is so great about the Beatles is how universal they are. Your grandparents love them, your kids love them.
“And because the event starts at 12pm, it allows those age groups to come along earlier and enjoy the atmosphere, before it gets a little rowdier! We also have kids activities and games from 12-5pm, so it ensures that everyone is well entertained.”
Tickets are available to buy now, with an adult all-day pass priced at £20. Family tickets for two adults and two children are £50, while entry is free all day for children under six.