IN PICTURES: Cunard’s Queen Anne sails into Liverpool

The cruise line’s 249th ship sailed into the Mersey, escorted by fire tugs, at 7am and will be berthed at the city’s cruise terminal before the ceremony, at the Pier Head, at 4pm.

The ship will have an official naming ceremony with crowds expected to gather on the waterfront for the event.

Tenor Andrea Bocelli will top the bill, before performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Liverpool Theatre School and DJ Lauren Lo Sung.

The ceremony will be hosted by Busted star Matt Willis and his TV presenter wife Emma, who will be joined on stage by the ship’s official godparent before a bottle of Champagne is smashed against Queen Anne to signify the official naming.

Here are some pictures captured by Globe reader Ian Fairbrother of Queen Anne arriving this morning.

Cunard's Queen Anne sailing into the Mersey ahead of a naming ceremony at Liverpool Pier Head (Image: Ian Fairbrother)

Queen Anne captured from New Brighton (Image: Ian Fairbrother)

Cunard's Queen Anne sailing into the Mersey (Image: Ian Fairbrother)Queen Anne in the distance of New Brighton lighthouse (Image: Ian Fairbrother)Cunard's new ship Queen Anne (Image: Ian Fairbrother)Queen Anne with the Liver Buildings in the distance (Image: Ian Fairbrother)