SOUTHAMPTON'S NOVEMBER 11 FAREWELL TO THE GRAND DAME OF THE SEAS

This is going to be really BIG.

The BBC reports:

On Tuesday, 11 November QE2 will leave Southampton for the final time.

An enormous send off is planned with a vast amount of people expected to see her off - below is all you need to know to be part of QE2's farewell.

BBC South will broadcast a special one hour programme from 18:30 - 19:30 GMT on BBC One, the programme will also be streamed live on this site where there will be extended coverage including the fireworks until approximately 20:15.

BBC Radio Solent will be broadcasting special QE2 programmes throughout the day.

The Breakfast Show 06:30 - 09:30 GMT will come live from QE2 Terminal and Drivetime 16:00 - 21:00 GMT live from Mayflower Park - listen on 96.1 FM or online.

There'll also be a dedicated travel bulletin service for the duration of the event with news on public transport and the inevitable traffic jams.

Southampton's Mayflower Park off West Quay Road will be the city's vantage point for QE2's departure and fireworks display.

Entry to the park is free, a big screen will feature BBC coverage of the QE2 and the special live one hour QE2 farewell programme from 18:30 - 19:30 GMT.

QE2 will be flying her red "paying off" pennant from her mast to mark the end of her commission - QE2's is particularly impressive as the pennant's length is determined by years of service, one foot for each of her 39 years.

It's bound to be a cold night, so make sure you wrap up warm, take warm drinks and a torch, particularly if you're heading for one of the shoreline vantage points - allow plenty of time to get to your preferred viewing spot and be prepared for delays.