She was delayed by around five hours due to inclement weather
Cunard’s Queen Anne has arrived in Liverpool, just in time to provide a backdrop for the open-top bus Premier League parade. The ship, which is the newest in Cunard’s fleet and had her naming ceremony in the city last year, was due to arrive at Liverpool Cruise Port at around midday today.
However, weather conditions meant she has been delayed by more than five hours. Queen Anne berthed at Liverpool Cruise Port shortly after 5pm, beating the Liverpool bus to the waterfront and meaning she can be part of the celebrations, as was the plan.
The main road through central Liverpool has become a sea of red this afternoon, with thousands of fans braving the rain to catch a glimpse of the team. Flares have been set off and the crowds are all dressed in club colours, creating a memorable scene.
Liverpool FC’s Premier League champions have been making their way around the city on an open-top bus today. The parade, which has seen hundreds of thousands of people line the 15km route, began at Allerton Maze at around 2.30pm.
It then made its way across the city, heading northbound on Queens Drive through Mill Bank, West Derby Road, Islington and Leeds Street. At the time of writing, it is heading onto The Strand before it finishes at Blundell Street.
Queen Anne’s arrival on the Mersey marks the start of global celebrations across the Cunard fleet to mark this year’s 185th anniversary of the line’s first transatlantic crossing, which left Liverpool in 1840.
The liner was dedicated to the city of Liverpool by Cunard at her naming ceremony last June, which featured a performance from Andrea Bocelli and a DJ set from Craig Charles before she left with a spectacular firework display.
On this visit, the ship will remain on the Mersey overnight. Tomorrow, May 27, Cunard will be honoured when HRH The Princess Royal makes a special visit to the ship, marking the official start of the 185th anniversary celebrations.
Later on Tuesday the Sea of Glamour photographic exhibition, curated by photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney, daughter of Beatles legend Sir Paul, will open at the Royal Liver Building.
The exhibition features 185 images charting the Cunard timeline and some of the many milestones in its maritime history. It will also celebrate its bond with the city of Liverpool.
The ship is scheduled to depart Liverpool at 11.45pm on Tuesday, May 27. People will be able to come to the waterfront and catch a glimpse of the ship the entire time she is here.
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