SOUTHAMPTON is set to play a major part in the spectacular celebrations marking Cunard’s 175th anniversary.

The cruise ship company today announced that it is choosing its Hampshire home port to launch what is expected to be one of the country’s biggest and most breathtaking maritime celebrations in years.

Rival port Liverpool, as well as docks in New York and Sydney, will also play their part in the milestone to celebrate their key roles in the company’s long and distinguished history.

Thousands of people are expected to gather at Southampton docks when the celebrations begin on May 3, 2015, when the cruise line’s three Queens sail to the city.

Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will then depart together in formation at the start of a packed schedule of events which are yet to be finalised.

It is the first time all three Queens have returned to the city since last year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Patriotic crowds braved torrential rain to watch the spectacle but the Red Arrows had to pull the plug on their planned flypast due to the dismal weather.

Cunard marketing director Angus Struthers said: “We are delighted to announce that our 175th anniversary celebratory events will start in our home port and the location of our headquarters.

“Cunard has a maritime history unlike any other and one that deserves celebration.

“We intend to do that in an historic, memorable and special way in Southampton and we look forward to releasing more information in the following months.”

The three Queens will also meet for the first time on the River Mersey in Liverpool on May 25 to kick-start ceremonies in the city.

These include the re-enactment of the cruise line’s first ever voyage when Britannia set off in 1840 from Liverpool to Halifax in Canada and on to Boston in the USA.

On July 4, 2015, 175 years to the day from that maiden voyage, Queen Mary 2 will set sail for the New World on a ten-night trip to all three cities and ending in New York.

More details will be announced nearer the time.