The Liverpool Waterfront will host a spectacular celebration on June 3rd, honouring Queen Anne’s maiden call to her spiritual home with renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
For a special naming ceremony hosted by musician Matt Willis and his wife, TV presenter Emma Willis, Bocelli will be joined by an amazing lineup of Liverpool’s best talent, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performers from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.
Special guests and the official godparent will join the celebrity hosts on stage for the naming of Queen Anne, marked by the traditional smashing of a bottle of Champagne against the 249th ship to bear the Cunard name. Andrea Bocelli will draw the event to a close with his performance.
There will be musically maritime street theatre and choir performances on Liverpool’s Pier Head starting at 2.30pm. Subsequent performances by the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, DJ Lauren Lo Sung, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will round off the festivities. Craig Charles will then play a vibrant funk and soul set, keeping the party going till the fireworks finale, when Queen Anne departs.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said:
“Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home, and we are thrilled to announce Maestro Bocelli as part of our incredible line-up of talented artists and performers for this special event. This celebration is a tribute to our rich history and a testament to the enduring bond between Cunard and the city of Liverpool. We look forward to honouring this legacy with a celebration of unforgettable performances that reflect the spirit and vibrancy of both our company and this magnificent city.”
Bocelli comments:
“It’s an honour to be performing in Liverpool, for the Official Naming Ceremony of Queen Anne. This event promises to be a beautiful celebration of artistry and craftsmanship, which perfectly captures spirit and elegance of Cunard’s new ship. To be taking part in such a historic occasion, in a city rich in cultural heritage, truly brings me great joy.”
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“This is yet another prestigious, international event taking place in our city, casting Liverpool into the limelight once again and showcasing our enviable maritime offer.”
Expected to attract thousands of people, the festivities will commemorate yet another historic occasion in Cunard ship history. Over a million people have attended Cunard ships’ maiden calls in July 1990 and the 2015 Three Queens “royal rendezvous” celebrating Cunard’s 175th anniversary on the Mersey’s banks.
READ MORE: LIVERPOOL TO STAGE SPECTACULAR NAMING CEREMONY FOR NEW CUNARD SHIP
