Beatles Play Lunchtime Set at the Cavern- Later Play the Aintree Institute

Today in 1961, the Beatles played a lunchtime set at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Later in the day, they played a set at the Aintree Institute, Liverpool.

I've never heard of the Aintree Institute in Liverpool, so I did a little research. The Institute was a hall that hosted dances and concerts. Since January 1961, The Beatles played fairly regular sets at the Institute. It wasn't until August 12th, 1961, however, that "The Dynamic Beatles were hired as Saturday night regulars by promoter Brian Kelly. They played 60 gigs at the Institute in 1961 alone!

Below are some pics from The Beatles' performances at Aintree Institute. Notice that they are still wearing their Hamburg leather gear (this is their pre-polished suits look). They also were occasionally accompanied by a group known as the Shimy-Shimy Queens.

[Images via beatlesource.com]