As Liverpool prepares to host the world's most iconic song contest, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 took center stage on May 5 with a fireworks display to celebrate the opening of the Eurovision Village.
The ship was docked on the River Mersey as part of its Coronation Celebration voyage and was the center of Eurovision festivities in the city on May 4.
The “Three Graces” – the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building – were simultaneously lit up in blue and yellow as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine.
Earlier, the Eurovision flag flew on the world's only ocean liner, on the eve of the first semi-final, which will be held on Tuesday at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena.
Later, the Queen Mary 2 hosted a special afternoon tea for VIP guests from the city, including Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson and Liverpool City Council Chief Executive Theresa Grant.
Lee Powell, Vice President of Brand and Product Development at Cunard, said: “We are delighted to kick off this year’s Eurovision celebrations aboard Queen Mary 2, especially in our spiritual home, Liverpool, the 2023 host city. As our flagship, she embodies the glitz, glamour, and sheer spectacle for which the Eurovision Song Contest is famous, and it was a privilege to welcome some of the city’s dignitaries to mark the official opening of such an iconic and global television event.
Angie Readhead, Director of Liverpool City Assets, said: “It has been a week of royal visits to Liverpool: with King Charles and the Queen Consort here last Wednesday and now the beautiful Queen Mary 2 today. Liverpool and Cunard have shared a very special relationship for many years, so it was only right and fitting that the Queen Mary 2 should call here to join in the celebration of two very important national moments: the Coronation of King Charles and Eurovision. We hope all passengers on board will award us 'Douze Point' for the warmth of our world-famous welcome.”
