History was made in Liverpool last weekend, as the Three Cunard Queens arrived in the city to the cheers of more than one million spectators!
From Thursday evening (May 21st) the celebrations were well underway, when Liverpool’s Three Graces were lit up as Amazing Faces came to life; a light installation projected onto the beloved buildings by technical experts The Colour Project.
The show was repeated on throughout the weekend, transform Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, delivering a 30 minute visual feast, that gloriously portrayed the spirit of Liverpool and its transatlantic links.
The show included ‘Sea of Faces’, which saw 175 faces of Liverpool people projected on to the buildings. The 175 people shown were chosen from more than 700 submissions.
The YB team were lucky enough to make it along, and our reporter Rosie Kenyon said:
“The overall effect of the show was totally unique and completely memorable – it had me bursting with feelings of pride for my city. It was a real spectacle, not like anything I have seen before.
“Of course, there’s a real celebration of the city at the moment, with the Cunard celebrations last weekend, Light Night and of course the River Festival next weekend. The show for me was a bit of a foot on the ball moment, a time to truly appreciate everything that is great and unique about the City of Liverpool, our history, our heritage and our people.”
And the city region welcomed an estimated 1.3million visitors over the Bank Holiday weekend, as crowds flocked to the docks, beaches and the pier head to catch a glimpse of Cunard’s salute to Liverpool, marking it’s 175th anniversary in sensational style.
The Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria sailed into the city across the weekend, stopping together for a short time on Monday in a seafaring spectacular, to the delight of the throngs of spectators who had gathered at the various viewing points.
As well as the fleet of ships on the Mersey, visitors were entertained by street performers, choirs, bands and the Red Arrows flew over the Royal Liver Building in a salute to the Queens as they berthed.
Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Joe Anderson said:
“As the spiritual home of Cunard, Liverpool gave the ships an unforgettable welcome. The day has been spectacular and it will live long in the memories of everyone who experienced it from both sides of the River.
“This event has been a long time in the making, but nothing could quite prepare you for just how stunning the Queens looked on the Mersey and, with the additional element of the Red Arrows fly-past, it was an emotional moment for many.
“I’m delighted that Liverpool has once again shone under the international spotlight and staged an outstanding event which has made maritime history.”
And the celebrations aren’t over yet. With the Mersey International River Festival still to come next week and a whole weekend of activity planned around Independence Day on July 4th, the party is set to continue. For a full run down of the events taking place visit www.visitliverpool.com/onemagnificentcity