Cunard Queen Anne: All the latest as Liverpool hosts spectacular naming ceremony on the Mersey

The stage is set and today is the day… the Cunard Queen Anne naming ceremony will be taking place at Liverpool’s Pier Head this afternoon.

All eyes are set to be on Liverpool once again as the city comes together to welcome the Cunard Queen Anne to its spiritual home.

The Liverpool waterfront will be the setting for this unforgettable celebration, which will see renowned Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will take to the stage ahead of a stellar line-up of performers throughout this evening.

Keep with us here on The Guide Liverpool as we bring you all the latest as it happens throughout the day:

4.30 – Andrea Bocelli takes to the stage

Andrea Bocelli - The Guide Liverpool — Andrea Bocelli – The Guide Liverpool

4.15 – 5 Liverpool icons were honoured at the ceremony

Emma and Matt Willis - The Guide Liverpool — Emma and Matt Willis – The Guide Liverpool

To represent the city 5 Liverpool icons were honoured at the ceremony; Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Spice Girl Melanie C, BBC Radio Merseyside’s Ngunan Adamu, owner of LEAF Natalie Haywood, and Liverpool music legend Jayne Casey.

They were joined on stage by Cunard CEO Katie McAlister, and Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge for the naming ceremony and the smashing of the champagne bottle.

Read more here.

4.05pm – The City of Liverpool is named Godparent for Cunard’s Queen Anne

For the first time ever an entire city has been named as Godparent for a new cruise liner.

Liverpool has been named Godparent Cunard’s Queen Anne, another historic moment to add to our records.

Traditionally, the godmother is often a prominent figure, usually royalty, celebrities, or other notable personalities. The practice stems from the belief that a feminine presence brings good fortune and protection to the ship and its crew. This belief in feminine energy as a source of luck and safety has made the role of a ship godmother a revered and celebrated one.

3.55pm – The ceremony is about to start!

Everyone has taken their seats ready for the celebrations to start at 4.00pm… who’s excited?

3.09pm – The audience are taking their place

Crowds have gathered at Liverpool’s Pier Head ready to witness this historic event, and to watch as Andrea Bocelli takes to the stage around 4.00pm.

Here’s the moment the Queen Anne arrived in Liverpool this morning

12.04pm – Get a closer look of Cunard Queen Anne on the Mersey

11.48am – What a stunner!

11.23am – We’re on the Mersey getting a look at the new cruise liner

11.09am – Take a look inside

There’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wellness studios, and the bedrooms are beautiful!

Did you know that the 113,000 ton ship houses 3,000 guests and has 14 decks!

9.51am Josh & Jay are dockside with everything you need to know about today’s huge celebration

8.53am – Reaction from Cunard President

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, 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.”

7.55am – Schedule for the day

Andrea Bocelli will take to the stage this afternoon as Matt and Emma Willis host the official naming ceremony. You can see the day’s schedule below so you don’t miss out on anything.

Here is the schedule for the celebrations:

7.00am: River Mersey

Queen Anne arrives to Liverpool Waterfront, escorted by fire tugs.

Queen Anne’s arrival is anticipated to be welcomed by the media and the general public wishing to see the ship for the first time.

9.00am to 2.30pm: Liverpool Cruise Terminal

Queen Anne is berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal. All guests (up to 3,000) on board will be able to leave the ship and explore the city on their own terms.

4.00pm to 4.45pm: Liverpool Waterside

The Official Naming of Queen Anne

Well-loved TV personalities Emma and Matt Willis will be hosting the naming ceremony on the Waterfront stage, with performances from Andrea Bocelli, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Liverpool Theatre School and DJ Lauren Lo Sung.

They’ll be joined on stage by special guests from Cunard and the official Godparent in the lead up to the moment Queen Anne is officially named, signified by the iconic smashing of a bottle of champagne against the ship.

6.00pm to 8.30pm: Liverpool Waterside

Local performers will be keeping the Waterfront crowds entertained on the ground.

8.30pm: Liverpool Cruise Terminal

Queen Anne’s gangways will be closed at 8.30pm, with all guests required to re-join the ship before this time.

8.30pm 10.30pm: Liverpool Waterside

From around 8.30pm the evening celebrations will begin.

You will be treated to a further piece from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and transported to a world of funk and soul as the legendary Scouser, TV personality and DJ, Craig Charles, joins the orchestra on stage for a unique collaboration set to thrill.

Craig will keep the party going and everyone on their feet until the grand finale, when it’s ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ to Queen Anne around 10.15pm.

A fireworks finale is set to take place (weather permitting) for guests ashore and on board.

7.26am – Travelling to the Pier Head

Merseyrail - Sir Samuel Cunard. Picture by Gareth Jones — Merseyrail – Picture by Gareth Jones

If you’re coming to see the celebrations for the Cunard Queen Anne today Liverpool’s Pier Head is easily accessible by train, bus, or car.

If you’re wanting less hassle, and live on a train line, travel with Merseyrail. Their James Street, Moorfields, and Liverpool Central stations are all within walking distance. However, James Street station will be closed from 18:30.

If you’re travelling by bus Liverpool ONE bus station is just down the road.

If parking is available Liverpool ONE QPARK is over the road also.

Find out more about Merseyrail here.

Find out more about parking in Liverpool ONE here.