HELLO sailors!
There might not be giants this year, but an international fleet of warships on the River Mersey is something worth gawping at on Instagram.
Liverpool is hosting a triumverate of big scale, Mersey based events this May and June as the Battle of The Atlantic 70th anniversary is marked and the Albert Dock celebrates the 25th anniversary of its regeneration.
No word yet if the man behind it, Michael Heseltine, the one-time Minister for Merseyside is coming up. Nor if a delegation from Uncle Joe's cabinet is planing to greet him by giving him the bumps.
But one thing is certain: the much missed Mersey River Festival is back and the On The Waterfront concert - a burger van jackpot and summer poppery too.
Lots of warships
From May 24-28 we turn our attention to one of World War II's biggest Allied victories: the battle of the Atlantic. Activities will take place at the waterfront and in the city centre including a cathedral service, veterans parade, a special band concert by the Royal Marines at the Philharmonic Hall, a 40s themed party at St George’s Hall, a fly past and a James Bond-style display, it says here, involving the Royal Marines and Liverpool’s own Motor Tug Brocklebank.
Bomb disposal displays will also take place during the event along with exhibitions from each of the Armed Forces.
Around 25 warships will arrive in the city from countries including Canada, Germany, Italy, Russia and the United States, and some vessels will be open to visitors during their visit. There will be a co-ordinated departure of all the vessels on Tuesday 28 May.
The Albert Dock in 1980 when it was all fields and pop videos
The following weekend (31 May-2 June) will be a birthday celebration marking 25 years since the completion of the regeneration of the Albert Dock and the opening of Tate Liverpool. To celebrate their birthday present to Liverpool is a free day out for the children.
During the three days there will be a host of free family activities, Beatles Story will have free family workshops and kids go free with a paying adult to see the world class attraction. Tate Liverpool is drawing on the silver anniversary and kids can get creative in a workshop from 27 May. Merseyside Maritime Museum’s free event programme will entertain any little sailors, while PanAm and Blue Bar and Grill will be doing kids eat free.
The Mersey River Festival and tall ships are back. Pic: CP Corner
The final weekend sees the return of Music on the Waterfront. From 7-9 June live music will take over the Pier Head as a "mix of home grown talent and household names" perform on the outdoor stage in front of the Liver Buildings. No idea who they are yet.
This weekend will also see the return of the River Festival with Tall Ships and historic vessels lining the waterfront along with other special activities including street theatre and shanty music.
The full programme for each of the events will be announced in the next few months.
