The Day Before Paul McCartney’s 21st Birthday in 1963, He Was Given ‘Birthday Bumps’ on Delaware Road, London

After a recording session for a “Pop Goes the Beatles” radio program, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr give Paul McCartney his ‘birthday bumps’ in the middle of Delaware Road in front of the BBC London Studios on June 17, 1963. Paul would turn 21 on the following day.

‘Birthday bumps’ are a UK tradition of lifting the birthday boy or girl by their arms and legs and swing for the amount of years they are turning. The custom is believed to date back to the first ‘birthday bump’ a child ever receives — from a doctor or nurse — when newborns are spanked to get their blood moving and incite their first cry.

Photos below also show the Beatles having lunch at the BBC staff restaurant.