Beatles JFK landing to be recreated 50 years later

Britain’s Beatles make a windswept arrival in New York in this Feb. 7, 1964 file photo, as they step down from the plane that brought them from London, at Kennedy airport. From left to right, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. AP FILE PHOTO

LONDON — One of the most tumultuous welcomes in pop history is to be recreated next month when UK officials and a tribute band recreate the Beatles’ historic 1964 landing at JFK airport.

The band’s first visit to the United States sparked wild Beatlemania at the New York airport on Feb. 7, 1964.

UK Trade and Investment officials along with VisitBritain officials will accompany The Cavern City Beatles to the airport next month in a bid to spark interest in Beatles-related tourism.

The delegation will include Liverpool city officials looking to lure tourists to the Beatles’ home city to visit sites described in their songs.

John Lennon’s half-sister Julia Baird said Monday that the band continues to play a vital economic role in Liverpool.