SOUL music and aviation history feature in a Shieldhall double header this weekend.

Southampton’s heritage steamship will take to the water on Saturday (18 June) and Sunday (Father’s Day, 19 June).

Saturday’s trip sees Southampton’s recently appointed Mayor Councillor Cathie McEwing welcomed in her capacity as Admiral of the Port. Councillor McEwing hails from Glasgow - just a few short miles from where Shieldhall was built in 1955.

On board on Saturday will be The Soulcatchers, who will be playing entertaining soul classics (on the open deck if the weather is favourable!). Passengers will also have the opportunity to view the departure of five cruise ships – Arcadia, Braemar, Britannia, Independence of the Seas and Emerald Princess. Tickets for the Music Cruise, staged between 3pm – 7pm, are £40 adults; £10 children and £90 for a family ticket (2 + 2).

Shieldhall’s Father Day Cruise sees guest commentator Colin van Geffen explaining the important role played by Southampton and Southampton Water in aviation history. Colin will be reflecting on not only spitfires but also the connections that the area has with the development of flying boats and seaplanes, and pioneering names such as Noel Pemberton-Billing, Hubert Scott-Paine and Reginald Mitchell. Departing Southampton Docks at 3pm and returning at 6pm, Shieldhall’s return up Southampton Water will see her pass the departing Celebrity Eclipse and Azura – always the chance to sound her whistle and the playing of the ’Shieldhall Organ’! Tickets for the cruise are £27.50 adults, children £10, family £65.

There is the opportunity to visit Shieldhall’s famous Engine Room and Boiler Room and Bridge whilst on board. Real ale courtesy of the Flack Manor brewery, hot and cold food and other refreshments will be available to purchase.

All tickets may be booked online at www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or through calling 0844 357 2329 (calls cost 7p per minute from landline, calls from mobiles may vary).

Shieldhall will depart Berth 48 in the Eastern Docks for both trips, entrance via Dock Gate 4. For more info please visit www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk