SOUTHAMPTON is to be the focus of the Cunard's 175th anniversary.

Major events will be held around the world, but the Hampshire port is to be a hub of celebrations in 2015.

This comes after speculation that Liverpool would be chosen to lead the celebrations.

But the city along with New York and Sydney will also take part because of the key roles they have played in the company's long and celebrated history.

Southampton is expected to some of the biggest maritime commemorations it has seen for many years.

Details have yet to be finalized, but members of the Royal Family are expected to be invited to the party which is to see a re-creation of the first ever Cunard crossing to Halifax, in 1840 by the wooden steamer Britannic.

This will be carried out by the company's current liner Queen Mary 2.

Cunard President Peter Shanks said: “We always like to involve local schools and local people and the Royal family wherever we can.

“And we would like to make it a very special event not only for the Cunard Line and all of our employees but also for the city of Southampton which is our home.

“It's an anniversary not only for Cunard but also for really proud British company.

“There's so much history in Cunard there are very few companies in Britain today that can talk about such a history and it's very very important that we recognise that and celebrate this history as we head to the 175 anniversary.”