QM2 takes centre stage at the opening of Eurovision Village

As Liverpool prepares to host the world’s most iconic song contest, Queen Mary 2 took centre stage with a pyrotechnic show lighting up the skies to celebrate the opening of the Eurovision Village.

Docked on the River Mersey as part of our Coronation Celebration voyage, she was at the heart of the city’s Eurovision festivities yesterday (4 May).

As this stunning drone video illustrates, the evening light show illuminated the iconic Queen Mary 2 livery and red funnel, whilst the Three Graces – The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building – were simultaneously lit up in blue and yellow in a show of solidarity with Ukraine.

Earlier in the glamour-filled day, the Eurovision flag was seen flying high on the world’s only ocean-going liner ahead of the first semi-final at the Liverpool M&S Bank Arena on Tuesday.

Queen Mary 2 later hosted a special afternoon tea for VIP guests from the city, including the Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, and Liverpool City Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Theresa Grant.

Lee Powell, Brand & Product Development Vice President, Cunard commented:

“We were absolutely thrilled to kick off this year’s Eurovision celebrations onboard Queen Mary 2, especially in our spiritual home of Liverpool, the host city for 2023. As our flagship, she epitomises the glitz, glamour, and sheer spectacle that the Eurovision Song Contest is famed for, and it was our privilege to host some of the city’s dignitaries to mark the official opening of such an iconic and global TV event.”

Angie Redhead, Head of Liverpool City Assets said:

“It has been a week of Royal visits in Liverpool with King Charles and The Queen Consort here last Wednesday and now the beautiful Queen Mary 2 today.  Liverpool and Cunard have shared a very special relationship for many years so it felt only right and proper that the Queen Mary 2 should call here, to join in the celebration of two very important national moments: The Coronation of King Charles and Eurovision. We hope all passengers aboard award us ‘Douze point’ for the warmth of our world famous welcome!”