By Madeline O'Connor

The place which hosted The Beatles in their heyday celebrates its 55th birthday today.

Events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary of the cellar club – made famous by its historic links with the Beatles who made 292 appearances there.

The original Cavern club opened onJanuary 16, 1957, and was the first venue inLiverpoolto be dedicated to live pop music.

Over fifty years no, the latest incarnation of the Cavern is still going strong with resident tribute bands and original acts performing every day of the week.

The celebrations begin today whenLiverpool’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Frank Prendergast, presents Cavern club owners Dave Jones and Bill Heckle with a massive 55th birthday card filled with personal messages.

A new club membership scheme is also being launched while the whole day budding music stars of the future will perform live.

Cllr Prendergast said: “For 55 years Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club has played a pivotal role in pop music throughout the world.

“I’m proud and excited to be recognising and celebrating this landmark birthday today with the owners and some of our future musical stars.”