Andrea Bocelli, Emma Willis to attend Queen Anne's naming ceremony

The cruise line’s 249th ship, whose home port is Southampton, sailed into the Mersey, escorted by fire tugs, at 7am and was be berthed at the city’s cruise terminal before the ceremony, at the Pier Head, at 4pm this afternoon.

Crowds are expected to gather on the waterfront for the event to see Queen Anne, where 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 113,000-ton ship, which houses 3,000 guests and has 14 decks, set off on her maiden voyage from Southampton on May 3 and is stopping off in Liverpool during her maiden sailing around the British Isles.

The ceremony will be hosted by Busted star Matt Willis and his TV presenter wife Emma.

They will be joined on stage by the ship’s official godparent, who is yet to be announced, before a bottle of Champagne is smashed against Queen Anne to signify the official naming.

READ MORE: Southampton residents on why city was named in top ten in UK

Celebrations will continue into the evening with a funk and soul set from Craig Charles, before the ship departs to a backdrop of fireworks at about 10.15pm.

Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard with its first transatlantic crossing departing 184 years ago in July 1840, and it was the company’s headquarters for 128 years.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, commented: “Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival voyage is celebrating the very best of Great Britain and Ireland and we are delighted that our newest ship has now arrived in Liverpool.

“This wonderful city is the spiritual home of Cunard, and we share such an incredible bond, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories.”

She added: “We are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close during what promises to be a very special celebration.”