Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to be lining the Mersey as Cunard’s Three Queens sail into the river today to celebrate the shipping company's 175th anniversary.

Globe reporters and photographers will be out and about to bring you the best of the action as the day progresses.

Queen Mary 2 was the first to arrive yesterday, followed by Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria today.

Today is the only day you can see all three ships together.

 

Wirral Globe: Marine Point.

 

Marine Point at New Brighton

Today's timetable:

10.45am - Queen Mary 2 leaves the berth to greet her two sisters at Brazil Buoy on the river between Crosby Beach and New Brighton.

12pm - 2pm - Three Queens meet and sail in formation south towards the Echo Arena, and then north along the River Mersey.

1.50pm - Red Arrows flypast. The world-famous aerobatic team will follow the Mersey in from the sea, flying in formation over the three ships to create an extraordinary spectacle on the river.

2.10pm - Queen Mary 2 will depart and Queen Elizabeth will take up berth at the Cruise Terminal, while Queen Victoria will remain mid-river.

10pm - Firework display, after which the Queen Elizabeth leaves the city and Queen Victoria berths at the Cruise Terminal.

The liners can be seen from the promenade in front of Woodside Ferry Terminal and New Brighton Promenade areas, or along the promenade in between. Please note that Woodside Ferry Terminal itself will be closed for a private event.

Where is the best place to view?

1. New Brighton

The seaside resort is going Three Queens crazy, with Marine Point planning everything from flag festivals and themed ice creams to swing choirs performing throughout the weekend.

Daniel Hynd, from Neptune Investments, owners of Marine Point, said: “The Three Queens is going to be an amazing event and New Brighton is the place to see the spectacle on the Wirral.

“There’s a real buzz about Marine Point as the businesses get ready to welcome visitors to view the Queens and I think it’s going to be extraordinary.”

Community arts project MAP has teamed up with community groups and businesses to create a flag festival along the New Brighton promenade that will extend all the way to Seacombe.

MAP is also asking the public to join in with the festival by decorating their homes and businesses along the seafront with flags to welcome the ships.

And its community gallery at Marine Point will be dressed up for the occasion, as the three ships will adorn the front of the gallery, alongside Mount Primary School’s art exhibition which is currently on show.

Meanwhile there will be a giant screen set up at Fort Perch Rock to watch all the Three Queens action over the weekend.

2. Birkenhead Priory

Wirral Globe: Birkenhead Priory to be transformed into community space after funding boost
 

To help celebrate the spectacle of the Three Cunard Queens visit to Merseyside over the Spring bank holiday, Birkenhead Priory will welcome visitors on all three days from 10am until 5pm offering a spectacular aerial view.

Over the course of of the weekend, there will be a unique opportunity for 120 lucky people to climb the 101 steps of St Mary’s Tower and take in the spectacle from the best aerial viewing point in Wirral.

This historic high observation point will provide fantastic photographic opportunities and offer visitors a panoramic view of the Liverpool Waterfront and one of the best opportunities of sighting the ships over their three day visit. 

Wirral Globe:

Trips up St Mary’s Tower will be running from 10.30am – 4.00pm in half hourly slots and cost £3 per person on Saturday and Sunday.

On Monday morning, from 10.30am – 12 noon, the cost will be £3 and from 1.00pm– 4.00pm on Monday the price will be £5 per person.

All tickets can be purchased directly from the information desk at The Birkenhead Priory ahead of the weekend or it may be possible to purchase on the day. The Priory is open from Wednesday to Friday 1pm- 5pm and daily at the weekend from 10 am- 5pm.

For all enquires contact Kathy Heywood on 0151 652 4177 or visit the Facebook page facebook.com/birkenheadpriory.

 

3. Dome of Home

Wirral Globe: SS Peter, Paul and Philomena’s Church

You can watch the Three Queens as they approach Liverpool Bay and the River Mersey  from the Dome of Home roof webcams. Click here for the webcam which is uploaded every 30 seconds. 


4. Port Sunlight River Park

Wirral Globe: Port Sunlight River Park will offer spectacular views across the River Mersey.

Another way to view the Three Queens is from Port Sunlight River Park, which has a viewing platform even higher than that of the tower at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

There will be a viewing day there from 10am-3pm, including a chance to find out more about the park. 

For more information visit visitwirral.com/three-queens

Details of the whole Three Queens event and Cunard’s 175 anniversary celebrations are on www.onemagnificentcity.com