The Beatles, Mary Poppins and more - Bournemouth in 1964

It was a time of change and excitement, reflected in the town's fashion, music, and overall atmosphere.

Much like today, the golden sands of Bournemouth Beach were the star attraction as sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers enjoyed the sunny days.

Deckchairs lined the shore creating an oasis for relaxation while colourful beach huts added a touch of whimsy.

Bournemouth continued to expand with new hotels, apartments, and infrastructure projects aimed to accommodate the growing tourist influx and modernise the town's facilities.

The British Invasion was in full swing, with bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who dominating the airwaves.

Many other established acts appeared in Bournemouth throughout the year, including Manfred Mann, The Searchers, The Animals, The Hollies, and The Nashville Teens.

The town had its own thriving music scene, with numerous local bands vying for attention. Groups performing on the local circuit included Dave and the Concordes, The Bunch, and Eddie Stevens and The Valiants.

Perhaps the biggest catch of the year, The Beatles played two sold-out shows at the Gaumont Cinema. This was during their 1964 British tour, just months before Beatlemania truly exploded across the world.

Bournemouth got a double dose of The Kinks that year. They first supported The Hollies at the Winter Gardens in March, and then returned for a headline show in November after their chart-topping hit You Really Got Me.

Manchester band Herman's Hermits was just starting its chart ascent and they brought their energetic pop sound to Bournemouth on several occasions, including a gig at the Winter Gardens in June.

Bournemouth's nightclubs, theatres and venues throbbed with the sounds of pop, rock, and R&B, attracting people from all over the country.

The Bournemouth Pavilion hosted a variety of shows and concerts, from traditional seaside entertainment to cutting-edge comedy and drama.

The town also had a thriving cinema scene, with several picture houses showing the latest films.

The granddaddy of Bournemouth cinemas, the Gaumont was a majestic Art Deco building that opened in 1935. It boasted a large stage for live performances and, of course, a top-notch cinema with the latest technology.

In 1964, moviegoers flocked to the Gaumont to see the biggest blockbusters of the day, including Goldfinger, Mary Poppins and The Beatles' concert film A Hard Day's Night.

Another iconic Bournemouth cinema, the Odeon opened in 1937 and offered a more modern, streamlined experience compared to the Gaumont. In 1964, the Odeon screened a mix of mainstream Hollywood hits and arthouse films, catering to a more discerning audience.

Not just a cinema, the Winter Gardens was a multi-entertainment complex that housed a cinema, theatre, ballroom, and restaurant. The cinema at the Winter Gardens was popular for family-friendly films and musicals, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than the grander cinemas.

Bournemouth also had several smaller cinemas in 1964, each with its own unique charm and character. These included the Rex Cinema and the ABC Cinema, offering a wider variety of films and catering to different parts of the town.

Going to the cinema was a much different experience than it is today. Tickets were cheaper, but audiences were more formal, often dressing up for the occasion.

The cinema usherettes, with their crisp uniforms and flashlights, added to the sense of occasion while trailers were longer and more elaborate, and newsreels kept audiences informed about current events.

AFC Bournemouth, was still playing in the lower leagues in 1964. However, they were slowly building a strong team and fanbase, laying the foundation for future success.

The Mod and Rocker trends were at their peak, with young people sporting sharp suits, scooters, and leather jackets or denim jackets and greaser hairstyles. Miniskirts were also becoming popular, adding a touch of youthful rebellion.

Unfortunately, not all aspects of 1964 Bournemouth were positive.

The Whitsun bank holiday weekend saw clashes between the Mods and Rockers, with violence erupting in the town centre.

The event made national news and led to calls for stricter controls on youth culture.