Friday 6th February saw the official launch of the long-awaited Hard Day’s Night Hotel ‘The Inside Story’, a stunning 224-page, limited-edition hardcover coffee table book, that chronicles the extraordinary 15-year journey behind the creation of the world’s only Beatles-inspired hotel. Created by celebrated artist and musician, Shannon MacDonald and legendary Cavern Club owner, Bill Heckle, the book features over 80 of Shannon’s evocative paintings, with historical narrative provided by Bill.
From early struggles and bold ambition to perseverance, triumph and global recognition, the book tells a deeply personal and richly detailed story. It opens with Room 101, featuring Shannon’s original Hard Day’s Night Hotel logo, and unfolds through pivotal moments in The Beatles’ accolades, historically and chronologically culminating to the final room: the Las Vegas Show… LOVE.
To coincide with the book launch, a brand-new, never-before-seen painting by Shannon, widely known as “The World’s Greatest Beatles Artist” (a title bestowed on her by Liverpool’s very own Lord Mayor), was unveiled at an exclusive VIP red-carpet evening at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool on Friday 6th February 2026.
This highly anticipated artwork marks the final piece in Shannon’s long-standing creative journey with the hotel, completing the visual story that now adorns the walls of this iconic North John Street landmark.
The VIP launch welcomed distinguished guests including Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, along with other Beatles dignitaries, creatives, and cultural figures. Shannon and Bill, who first met at a Beatles Convention in Connecticut in 1994 and have remained close friends ever since, were on hand to speak and sign copies of the book.
Set within Liverpool’s Grade II-listed Central Buildings and opened in 2008 in the heart of the Cavern Quarter, the hotel has become an international destination for Beatles fans and music lovers alike.
Liam Baker-Bellew, the hotel’s first-ever Liverpool-born General Manager, says:
“It was a fantastic evening celebrating Shannon and Bill, while also paying tribute to one of the most iconic bands in history. I was genuinely honoured to be part of an occasion that captured the energy, heritage, and identity of the hotel so powerfully.
On behalf of Millennium Hotels & Resorts, we are immensely proud of the success and momentum we continue to build around our Beatles connection. It’s a legacy that resonates globally and sets us apart, and events like this demonstrate just how special that platform can be.
As General Manager, I’m incredibly proud of the team and what we’ve achieved, and I’m excited to continue driving the hotel toward an even more immersive Beatles experience, one that deepens engagement, celebrates the story, and ensures we remain at the heart of that cultural connection moving forward.”
Alfie Abbott | Business Development Manager adds:
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a hotel that holds such a strong presence not only in the Liverpool market, but within the global Beatles community. Having the opportunity to help deliver an event as significant as the ‘Inside Story’ Book Launch is something I feel truly honoured to be part of and it reminds me how culturally important our venue is.
We see this event not as a final chapter, but as the beginning of an exciting new story. With the right team behind us, alongside the strength of our property and partnerships, we have a real opportunity to shape how we are perceived externally. Guest experience will always be at the heart of what we do and this event felt like the first step in a new journey for our incredible hotel.”
Hard Days Night Hotel ‘The Inside Story’ The Book
Hard Day’s Night Hotel Book — The Hard Day’s Night Hotel Art Gallery
Hard Days Night, North John St, Liverpool L2 6RR.
The 4 Star Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool officially launched and opened its doors on February 1, 2008, during the city’s year as European Capital of Culture, offering a unique Beatles-themed experience in the heart of the city near the Cavern Club.
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Website – Hard Days Night Hotel Liverpool | Beatles Hotel in Liverpool
SHANNON official website
https://www.artistshannon.com/
The Cavern Club