The Liverpool Echo reports:
An emotional farewell party will take place when the QE2 docks in Liverpool next month.
The most famous liner in the world will sail into the River Mersey on October 3 for a 10-hour stay in the city.
Last year, thousands of people flocked to the waterfront for a glimpse of the ship, which officially opened the new cruise liner terminal at Prince’s Dock.
Cunard bosses today said they expected at least as big a reception in October, when people will have their final chance to see the 41-year-old liner before she sails to her new home in Dubai.
The day-long visit will end with a giant firework display as the ship slips her moorings at 10pm.
Following last year’s successful event, passengers and crew are expected to pack Liverpool Cathedral earlier in the day for a celebratory concert.
Speakers at this year’s concert will include former QE2 captain Robin Woodall, who lives in Wirral, Liverpool’s Dame Beryl Bainbridge, and Falklands War veteran Simon Weston...
A spokesman for Cunard said: “The concert is primarily for our 1,700 passengers, but we hope to have some tickets available for members of the public.
“We are talking to the Culture Company about how we could do that and the final details are yet to be decided.”
Opera singer Natasha Marsh, the RLPO and the Welsh Guards will also take part in the cathedral event.
The Cunard spokesman added: “October 3 is the QE2’s ninth visit to Liverpool and this will be her farewell.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency anounced a few days ago that
Liverpool’s new cruise liner terminal will be officially opened as the QE2 makes a 40th birthday visit to the city.
HRH the Duke of Kent will unveil a plaque to formally open the terminal on Friday September 21.
The ceremony will be attended by Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Carol Marlow, President of Cunard Line, and representatives of the organisations involved in developing the terminal.
Margaret Hodge said: "Liverpool has a rich history and is recognised internationally as a thriving creative and cultural centre.
As it gears up to become Capital of Culture, bringing thousands of visitors from around the world, it is fitting that Liverpool will be able to welcome cruise liners in style."
The £19m terminal will allow the world’s great cruise ships to return to the Mersey on a regular basis. A total of 23 vessels with more than 25,000 cruise passengers are already confirmed over the next 18 months.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment