Thousands of people on the waterfront for the Queen Anne ceremony

“Tens of thousands flock to Liverpool’s waterfront for a spectacular naming ceremony for Cunard’s new £470 million Queen Anne cruise ship – see story for more images. Tony McDonough reports

For the second time in less than a decade, thousands flocked to Liverpool’s waterfront for a Cunard spectacular.

Around 7am on Monday morning, the £470 million Queen Anne The cruise ship, Cunard’s newest ship and the fourth in its fleet, sailed majestically up the Mersey to dock at Liverpool Cruise Terminal for a special day.

Although not on the scale of 2015 Three queens event, naming ceremony for Queen Annewhich took place on Monday afternoon around 4pm, saw the seafront crowded with people.

Crowds had begun to gather as soon as the ship arrived in the morning and had gradually gathered during the day. Those who had waited for hours were treated to amazing performances.

On stage were leading Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who wowed the crowds with an incredible performance, as well as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and many more.

Proceedings on stage were hosted by Busted musician Matt Willis and TV presenter Emma Willis. And five Liverpool ‘icons’ were invited on stage to represent the city.

They were former Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurateur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool cultural and music legend Jayne Casey and British Olympic heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing 184 years ago in May 1840 and was the company’s headquarters for 128 years. Southampton has been Cunard’s home port since 1967, but the link with Liverpool remains strong.

During the ceremony, the city of Liverpool was then named as Queen AnneHis godfather, in recognition of his long-standing connection with his “spiritual home”.

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An iconic champagne bottle smash against the ship marked this historic moment and wished the vessel and crew good luck on their future voyages.

Shortly after 10pm on Monday night, the Queen Anne departed Merseyside with spectators on both sides of the river treated to a fireworks display.

Katie McAlister, Chairman of Cunard, said: “I would like to thank our Liverpool icons, these amazing women, for representing the city and taking part in this historic ceremony and all the people of Liverpool for once again opening your hearts and received welcome Cunard and Queen Anne.“