Sir Paul McCartney is headlining a new festival celebrating the reopening of the National Portrait Galley.
The former Beatle will be joined in the line-up of the First Look Festival by artist Tracey Emin among others.
He is taking part in an online conversation inspired by the gallery’s exhibition of his photography from 1963 to 1964, just as Beatlemania changed his life forever.
The photographs from his own personal archive have never been seen before and show the band in quiet moments away from the hordes of screaming fans and demands of their record company.
The musician will also choose a selection of films that influenced his career starting with the 1956 rock’n’roll classic The Girl Can’t Help It featuring a parade of pioneering musicians including Little Richard, Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent.
Emin will be in discussion with the gallery’s director, Dr Nicholas Cullinan, while other events include lessons in smartphone photography and special tours of the building for blind and deaf visitors.
The festival kicks off on June 22 when the gallery reopens after its multi-million-pound refit which has opened up its east wing to the public and established a new learning centre.
Dr Cullinan said: “With only 50 days to go until we reopen our new doors, I am delighted to announce the First Look Festival, an incredible opportunity to engage with some of the country’s greatest artists as well as hear directly from the figures who have played an integral part in our transformation.
“From film screenings curated by Sir Paul McCartney and vinyl DJ sets in the galleries, to free creative workshops for all ages in our new Mildred and Simon Palley Learning Centre, summer at the all new National Portrait Gallery will be more alive and exciting than ever.”
