Major celebration happening in Liverpool just yards from Premier League parade

Yahoo

26-05-2025

Liverpool's iconic waterfront will welcome a Cunard liner back to its "spiritual home" on the 185th anniversary of the company's first transatlantic crossing from the city - just yards from the Premier League trophy parade's final stop.
The Queen Anne will berth at the cruise terminal at the world-famous Pier Head, home of the Royal Liver Building, to recognize a landmark date in the firm's history. Due to dock at approximately 5.45pm (GMT), the newest liner in the shipping company's fleet, will form part of what promises to be a stunning backdrop on a day of celebration in the city.
After Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk lifted the Premier League trophy aloft following the final day of the season against Crystal Palace, a carnival atmosphere ensued at Anfield. Now, Arne Slot and his triumphant side will parade their silverware on a garland parade around the city - which will end a stone's throw from the docks on The Strand.
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If May 25 represented the coronation for the Reds, then May 26 will be a day remembered for the celebratory scenes on the streets of Liverpool. If the parade for the 2019 Champions League winners is anything to go by, as many as 1 million people are likely to turn out to greet their heroes for this landmark occasion.
With Queen Anne in port for the day, there is cause for a double celebration in a city known the world over for its maritime and sporting history. Liverpool was the home port of iconic liners RMS Lusitania and RMS Mauretania, both Cunard ships, as well as the White Star Line's RMS Titanic.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, spoke excitedly ahead of the leviathan docking in its home port some 185 years following the company's first crossing of the Atlantic from Liverpool to Boston.
She said: "This is a landmark moment for Cunard, and we are incredibly honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to Liverpool as we celebrate 185 years of our heritage. The opening of the Sea of Glamour exhibition is a fitting tribute to the elegance and legacy that define Cunard, and to the special bond we share with this great city."
The Queen Anne was last in Liverpool a year ago for her naming ceremony, as thousands of spectators greeted the ship's arrival in the city in a memorable spectacle. This momentous occasion saw the legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli perform.
The ship's arrival in the city has been delayed due to the weather conditions on the day, having previously been expected in port at 12:00 (GMT). Here is an updated breakdown of the timings for the ship's arrival on the Mersey:
Mersey Bar: 3.45pm
Formby: 4.15pm
Crosby: 4.45pm
Cruise Terminal: 5.45pm
Meanwhile, Liverpool head coach Slot is looking forward to sharing the day with the club's passionate supporters after clinching the league championship in his first year at Anfield. He said: "How passionate these fans are for the club and how special it is to win something, let alone over here (is what I'll remember most).
"I think I could feel today that it was 35 years ago that they were part of it. So it's only been five years ago that we won the league, but unfortunately the fans couldn't be there. Now they were and I think everybody could see what it means for the fans to win it and that is what makes it special.
"And in the end for us as well because you play football for yourself, for your family, but definitely also for the fans. We are privileged that we can play it in front of these because these ones are special, which are going to again show tomorrow."
He added: "If other teams or clubs show the trophy in their city, then there are other people there, some great videos you can see. But I think this is again going to be next level!"