Globe columnist Peter Grant attends a birthday party in honour of the legendary Brian Epstein.

ON what would have been his 85th birthday, a crowd funding appeal went 'live' to finance a long-awaited statue in honour of The Beatles' manager.

At the theatre in Liverpool named after him, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Anna Rothery, kick-started the five-week 'Brian Epstein Statue Project' aiming to raise a minimum of £60k.

There is no existing statue in Liverpool to Brian, who died at 32 years of age in 1967.

Now a small group of dedicated campaigners are working to redress the balance and create a world first to be sculptured by renowned Stoke-born 'adopted Scouser' Andrew Edwards.

The location for the statue has yet to be confirmed but the committee welcomes – via social media – suggestions from interested parties on where it should be sited.

Tom Calderbank, leader of the committee which also includes theatre producer Bill Elms, said: "We are thrilled and very excited to unveil plans for a long overdue statue to Brian in his home town.

"We aim to create a unique, beautiful and lasting tribute to him."

Acclaimed sculptor Andy is best known for the iconic sculpture of The Beatles at Liverpool's Pier Head.

He also sculptured the Cilla Black statue in Mathew Street.

He said: "After spending a lot of time staring at images of Brian's face, I see before anything else, the charm and feeling in his eyes.

"I see a smile born of trust. A smile that elicits a smile back, an exchange of confidence and encouragement in what might happen.

"This is what I want to capture in Brian’s sculpture to share with everyone who will see it."

The project also has the support of Coronation Street actor and one of the stars of Cilla The Musical - Andew Lancel.

Andrew told the Globe: ‘I have played Brian five times – a real privilege.

"His contribution to the music industry, The Beatles, Liverpool and the word was incomparable.

"By making a donation to the crowdfunding project people have the chance to share the story of Brian and the Beatles.

"You can be part of it all by saying 'I had a hand in making it.'"

The Cilla Black and Brian Epstein families sent messages of support to the campaign.

To support the appeal, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-brian-epstein-statue-project

Updates or Facebook or @EpsteinStatueProject