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July 6, 1957, is perhaps the most important day in modern musical history because that’s the day that 16-year-old John Lennon was introduced to 15-year-old Paul McCartney by their mutual friend, Ivan Vaughan at St Peter’s Church fete.

The festivities began with a parade around the village and James Davis popped out of his house to take some photos of his son and daughter who were taking part. I am incredibly privileged that James’ son, Rod, has allowed me to share those photos with you here.

Rod was on the back of a lorry because he was going to be performing at the fete later that afternoon. He was in a group, led by his friend, John — a group called the Quarrmen!

Here are James Davis’ photos of the procession that began the festivities on July 6, 1957 the day that John met Paul, and also Geoff Rhind’s famous photograph of the Quarrymen performing at the fete in the afternoon.  You have to wonder what was in John’s mind as he sat on the back of the lorry as it trundled around Woolton village, or in Paul’s mind when he first saw John on stage!  Whatever it was, little did they know that their lives would never be the same again as a result of that ‘fateful’ conversation in St Peter’s Church Hall later that day!

I am indebted to Rod Davis and Geoff Rhind for allowing me to post their photographs on this website!

A highlight of the fete each year was the crowning of the Rose Queen and it was very exciting when Graham Paisley discovered two robes at the back of a storage cupboard in the Church. In 2017, members of the Congregation, who have been with the Church since the 1950s, stated their firm belief that these were the original robes! They sometimes can be seen on display at St Peter’s for special occasions.

Although it doesn’t feature the Quarrymen, click here for a rare photo from the day that John met Paul

But What If …

In his book, Conversations with McCartney, Paul du Noyer pondered what might have happened if John and Paul had not met on that ‘fete-ful’ day.  I am delighted and honoured that Paul has allowed me to share his thoughts with you here!  WHAT IF … 

Celebrating the Day that John met Paul

Through the years, there have been many special celebrations of the day that John met Paul.  Click HERE to see more.