Legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli to take centre stage at Queen Anne naming ceremony
The Liverpool Waterfront will be the setting for an unforgettable celebration on Monday 3 June, as iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli joins a stellar line-up of performers to celebrate Queen Anne’s maiden call to its spiritual home.
Bocelli will be joined by an impressive line-up of Liverpool’s finest talent, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performers from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, for a special naming ceremony hosted by musician Matt Willis and his wife, TV presenter Emma Willis.
The celebrity hosts will be joined on stage by special guests and the official Godparent for the naming of Queen Anne, a moment that is signified by the traditional smashing of a bottle of Champagne against the 249th ship to carry the Cunard name. The event will draw to a close with a performance from operatic superstar Andrea 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, ensuring the celebration continues until the grand finale, when Queen Anne departs with a backdrop of dazzling fireworks.
In addition, from 2.30pm, there will be choirs and street theatre commissioned by Culture Liverpool at the Pier Head to entertain the crowds.
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.”
Andrea Bocelli said: “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.
“The naming ceremony is set to be a majestic sight and I’m sure it will attract huge crowds to the waterfront who want to be part of this unique moment in ours and Cunard’s history.”
The celebrations are expected to draw thousands of attendees, marking another significant moment in the history of Cunard ships. In previous years, Cunard ships have drawn over a million spectators to the Mersey’s banks, notably for the QE2’s maiden call in July 1990 and the 2015 Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous’ celebrating Cunard’s 175th anniversary. This is an event that will be remembered for years to come, adding to the rich tapestry of Liverpool’s history.
Schedule
- 07:00 – Queen Anne Arrives in Liverpool with a fire tug escort
- 14:30 – Street theatre and choir performances with a musical maritime flavour on the Pier Head
- 16:00 – Naming Ceremony commences
- 17:00 – Live entertainment
- 20:30 – Evening celebrations commence
- 22:15 – Queen Anne departs accompanied by a fireworks display
- 22:30 – Celebrations end