MORE than one million people lined the banks of the River Mersey on Monday for the 175th anniversary celebrations of Cunard.
Wirral Council has hailed the Three Queens event as a “spectacular success”.
Latest estimates are 1.3m visitors to the Three Queens celebration overall, with around 60,000 to 70,000 spectators lining the Wirral side of the river.
People flocked to New Brighton and Crosby to catch the first glimpse of the three ships – Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria – as they made their way down the river.
Thousands more gathered on Wallasey, Seacombe and Woodside promenades, with many also choosing Port Sunlight River Park as their vantage points.
The large screen and facilities at Fort Perch Rock car park were well used and proved particularly popular with families.
Liverpool's viewing points filled up fast, with organisers urging people to find alternative viewing points.
Homes backing onto the river were decked in Union Flags.
Kirstie Smith, from Wallasey, watched the Three Queens from the back of Wallasey Town Hall. She described the occasion as “very exciting” and said her nephew had travelled from Cambridge to see the once-in-a-lifetime sight.
Steve Murphy, also from Wallasey, said: “It’s a fantastic atmosphere. There’s enough space for everyone to see. We’ll probably never see this again.”
The afternoon’s festivities were finished off with a Red Arrows flyover.
The world-famous aerobatic team flew in formation over the three ships, creating an extraordinary spectacle on the river, although some spectators said they were disappointed they didn’t fly up the river for all to see.
Merseyside Police said no arrests were made over the weekend, with social media users also praising the council for their fast clean-up of the area. The council thanked local volunteers the New Brighteners for their support.
The Three Queens in the River Mersey. Picture: Cunard.
Council leader Phil Davies thanked members of all agencies and volunteers who had helped to make the event run smoothly.
He also paid tribute to the good natured crowds who lined the Wirral coastline to welcome the famous liners.
“This has been a fantastic example of all agencies working together, and at times under enormous pressure, to get people in and out of the borough safely,” said Cllr Davies.
“ I would like to thank everyone who contributed and gave up their Bank Holidays to help make the event a success.”
Wirral’s mayor, Cllr Les Rowlands, said he was proud to be part of such an auspicious event.
He said: “This was truly a historic occasion and one I feel very proud to have witnessed and been part of. Well done to everyone who took part, and for Cunard, for bringing the ships to our River.”
More than 1m people lined the banks of the River Mersey on Monday. Picture: Paul Heaps
There was of course major congestion in the surrounding area as thousands of people tried to make their way home both via the region's roads and rail network.
The day ended with a spectacular fireworks display and the third and final Amazing Graces performance.
The iconic Liver, Cunard and Port of Liverpool Buildings became the canvas for the state-of-the-art 3D art projection.
Queen Mary 2 left the Mersey shortly after 2pm, while Queen Elizabeth left the city at around 10pm, with Queen Victoria berthed at the Cruise Terminal.
The Red Arrows fly over the Three Queens. Image: Paul Heaps
The Red Arrows fly over the Mersey. Picture: Emma Rigby
Queen Mary 2 in front of the Liver Building. Picture: Paul Heaps
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