THE Western Approaches, historical wartime bunker which played a big part in the winning of the Battle of the Atlantic, is to reopen this weekend with a full on party to tie in with Cunard's 175th anniversary sailing celebrations.

Called Swing for Victory, the one-off event takes place this Saturday (July 4) with a 1940s theme to the day.

Out on Exchange Flags, the Mersey Belles will be performing a rendition of classics from the 1920s through to the 1950s on their ukuleles from 1.30pm-4.30pm, as well as giving a number of workshops.

There will be a replica Spitfire on display for potential photo opportunities, a Bloom Gin Garden for potentialopportunites to sample the brand new gins Bloom has to offer.

There will also be "1940s style street food vans" where you can tell people how your nan never saw a banana until she was 25. 

A rationed theme menu comes from the Real Junk Food Project, "there will also be Malaysian street food, Wartime Pies and cakes from Sillis."

 Tickets for the day cost £10 and include access to all the day’s activity plus a tour round the museum.

However if you want to feel special, VIP tickets are also available on the day, offering visitors an unrivalled view of proceedings across the River Mersey.

Taking place on the eighth floor of Walker House, guests will be provided with two glasses of prosecco from the Bottega Bar, a selection of canapés and a balcony view of the fashion show and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which is all set to replicate its maiden voyage after the firework display in the evening Mark Armstrong will be playing 1940s classics on the eighth floor throughout the day. Tickets for the VIP experience cost £14 per person.

Libby Witherden, Head of Events and Marketing at Exchange Flags, said; “July 4 is set to be a truly memorable day in Liverpool and we felt it was the perfect occasion to relaunch Western Approaches, which itself holds real significant history in the city. The event has got something for everyone and we’re looking forward to a full house, showcasing the museum and offering the best seats in the house for activity taking place on the River Mersey.” 

Tickets, £10 or £14, will be available to purchase online and on the door.