Liverpool - 21 Sep 2007

Friday 21 Sept 2007 A Celebration Concert at the Cathedral with Lesley Garrett CBE, Nicky Spence, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, The Liverpool Cathedral Choir, The Band of the Scots Guards - Speeches by Carol Marlow, Sir Jimmy Saville OBE, OSt J and Carol Thatcher. This was quite something to attend. A few photos and the order of service booklet. For the atmosphere watch the two video clips at
http://www.magwa.co.uk/qe2/qe240thanniversaryvoyagevideo2.htm#liverpool

The opening of Liverpool's new cruise terminal at 11:30 on 21 Sept 2007 was marked by a visit from QE2 and the unveiling of a plaque by HRH the Duke of Kent. The terminal at Princes Dock cost over £19m and allows cruise ships of up to 350 metres in length to berth. [It cannot however cater for turnarounds].

Carol Marlow, President and Managing Director of Cunard Line, said, "We are delighted QE2 is officiating at the opening of the splendid new City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal. Cunard was founded in Liverpool in 1839 and the city was "home" to our Head Office for nearly 130 years so it's always nice to come back home."

Seven Seas Voyager was the first ship to use the terminal on 9 Sept.

Ferries spotted on the Mersey whilst berthed alongside the new cruise terminal aboard QE2 on her 40th Anniversary Voyage - 21 Sep 2007
Superseacat Two
Snowdrop [Mersey Ferry]
Lagan Viking, Liverpool Viking, Mersey Viking, Dublin Viking
Movie clip Snowdrop visits QE2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUS42Mi_DYw
Superseacat Two arriving at Liverpool http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiIdD9LvCIc
3 photos of 2 unknown vessels seen at distance in the Irish Sea on 22 Sep - any ideas?

At 22:45 we all enjoyed a fabulous firework display. The air was still and QE2's funnel became shrouded in smoke giving a lovely eerie look. The display is best viewed on this video clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM3G_0h3aYw
Crowds lined Princes Dock and many were still there when QE2 sailed at 03:30 [22 Sept] with tugs Smit Liverpool & Smit Waterloo 21 Sep 2007

Various parts of QE2 as viewed from the Landing Stage. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to cross the Mersey on Snowdrop, so have no full photos of QE2 here 21 Sep 2007

Just for my 'archives'. Poor photos of Liverpool; it rained all morning and one either had to take shelter under an umbrella if you had one, or like me an underpass or two. Water views and the Royal Liver, Cunard & Mersey Tunnels buildings - a few night photos and some through the coach window on the way to the Cathedral for the concert [of course the sun came out then], but Liverpool seemed more of one giant construction site - 21 Sep 2007