Battle of the Atlantic Commemoration

Our city is decked out in patriotic bunting as Liverpool hosts the national commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and what a superb event it is. Still time to be part of it all as  it continues all weekend and Monday too as it is Bank Holiday, so get here if you can!

even the shopping centres are in the mood and here is the top terrace of the new "Liverpool One" centre. 

We went down to the river front Pierhead where the parade of veterans was to be held.

It was so emotional to see these old seafarers marching so proudly wearing all their medals as the crowd cheered and clapped them.

There were many captains and commanders from home and abroad with the Lord Mayor

This old sea dog was so funny and had the crowd laughing with his hat saying "Knackered Seaman"!!

Here's the Mersey Ferry alongside some of the many visiting ships on parade.

The Pump House and the Albert Dock host another ship

Alongside the canal basin by the new Museum of Liverpool Life several children's bands played everything from pop to classical, jazz to music from the shows.

Street entertainers were everwhere and here, in front of the famous Liver Buildings, this super robot character interacted with the crowd to spectacular background effects.

The sea cadets scared the wits out of me with their displays on the rigging

This stilt walking tea lady was so amusing and was the star of the show and Flat Susan loved her Irish wit and charm. She had a ride on the top of the trolley....she's there on the top shelf ...

and a dance on a china cup and saucer! Luckily they were all glued together and we used Flat Susan's safety harness (an elastic band) to keep her safe!

Only managed to capture this snip of the Spitfire and Hurricane flying past. 

Another of our new waterfront buildings ... just look on the roof....

where they had the best bird's eye view of the event! The white building is the tip of the beautiful 1930's Art Deco Ventilation for the first Mersey Tunnel (we now have two tunnels)

It was such a good atmosphere and I'm so sorry that I didn't manage to take more pics of Flat Susan in all the excitement.
This is just a taster of all that's happing over the weekend and there's still time to get down to share the atmosphere and pay respects to those who served.... but do remember.... Liverpool is still worth a visit at any time of the year!
Next episode of Flat Susan's first holiday in Italy later today.