Cunard is preparing for the official naming of Queen Anne today (Monday) as the new ship makes it maiden call into the line’s ‘spiritual home’ of Liverpool.
A line-up of talent from the city, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performers from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, are set for the naming ceremony with a yet to be named godparent.
The event on the Liverpool waterfront is to be hosted by musician Matt Willis and his wife, TV presenter Emma Willis, with a performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
The festivities will include a DJ set by Craig Charles as the celebration continues until the grand finale, when Queen Anne departs with a backdrop of fireworks.
The 3,000 passenger vessel arrived on the Mersey this morning as part of a round-Britain itinerary, with the naming ceremony starting at 4pm.
This is to be followed by live entertainment and evening celebrations from 8.30pm before the ship departs at 10.15pm.
Cunard ships have previously drawn more than a million spectators to Liverpool, including QE2’s maiden call in July 1990 and the Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous’ marking Cunard’s 175th anniversary in 2015.
Cunard president Katie McAlister said: “Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival voyage is celebrating the very best of Great Britain and Ireland and we are delighted that our newest ship has now arrived in Liverpool.
“This wonderful city is the spiritual home of Cunard, and we share such an incredible bond, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories.
“We are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close during what promises to be a very special celebration.”
Picture: Stratus Imagery