Fans spilled out into Nottingham Road for the ceremony on Saturday and scrambled to get their hands on the event's press release, and even the polystyrene covering from the plaque, which was unveiled by Ripley Mayor Robert Phillips-Forsyth.

Leader of Ripley Town Council Juliette Blake said: "It was excellent, the event was very well supported by people in the town and by many very keen Cliff fans from further afield.

"I nearly got squashed in the rush to get hold of the press release and some people told us they come to the Regal every year on May 3 to have their picture taken."

The performance was the singer's first under the name of Cliff Richard, whose real name is Harry Webb, after being told by club owner Harry Greatorex that his real name was unsuitable.

In a statement read to the fans on the night, Sir Cliff Richard said: "The Ripley Regal was the first place I ever performed as Cliff Richard. I was so unused to the name that when I was introduced I was waiting for someone else to walk out onto the stage.

"The Regal played a huge part in my personal musical history and I am thrilled that this is being marked by a plaque to mark the 50th anniversary – 50 years to the day since that first performance.

"My thanks go to all who initiated this recognition and I hope you all enjoy the occasion."

The quest for a plaque marking the event began a year ago when an article in a magazine by Milford writer Ashley Franklin, who drew the town council's attention to the impending 50th anniversary.

Mr Franklin said: "The story came from Ripley historian Frank Mansey, he told me about Cliff playing the Regal.

"I do feel a little disappointed that the plaque doesn't convey the huge significance of the event but we're working at getting an information board with some more details put up to complement it."

The Regal still operates as a music venue and is currently under going refurbishment.