Sarah Bretz, ContributorThe Liverpool Waterfront will be the setting for an unforgettable celebration on June 3rd, as iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli joins a stellar lineup of performers to celebrate the maiden call of Queen Anne to the port.
Bocelli will be joined by an impressive lineup of Liverpool’s best talent, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performers from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The naming ceremony will be hosted by musician Matt Willis and his wife, TV presenter Emma Willis.
The hosts will be joined on stage by special guests and the official godparent for the naming of Queen Anne. The moment will be signified by the traditional smashing of a bottle of champagne against the 249th ship to carry the Cunard name. The event will conclude with a performance from Bocelli.
The celebrations will then continue with additional performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and DJ Lauren Lo Sung. The festivities will then shift to a lively funk and soul set by Craig Charles prior to grand finale fireworks.
“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,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. “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 honoring this legacy with a celebration of unforgettable performances that reflect the spirit and vibrancy of both our company and this magnificent city.”
Bocelli remarked, “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.”
The celebrations are expected to draw thousands of attendees, marking another significant moment in the history of Cunard ships. In previous years, Cunard shipsh have drawn over a million spectators to the Mersey’s banks, notably for Queen Elizabeth 2‘s maiden call in July 1990 and the 2015 Three Queens “royal rendezvous” celebrating Cunard’s 175th anniversary.
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