Diamond Jubilee: City welcomes Cunard's Three Queens

Southampton is hosting a Diamond Jubilee celebration involving three cruise ships and a display from the Red Arrows.

Cunard vessels Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria sailed up the Solent at dawn alongside a flotilla of small boats.

In the evening, the Red Arrows aerial display team will perform in the skies above the city for the first time.

The day culminates in a 20-minute firework display and some live music.

The best vantage points are likely to be available at Hythe, Town Quay and Mayflower Park.

Police and organisers are advising the public to arrive in plenty of time to enjoy the celebrations.

Mayflower Park is hosting an all-day celebration with free live entertainment, international food and a funfair.

05:30: Three ships arrive in formation up the Solent

12:00-23:00: Celebration event, Mayflower Park

18:20-18:45: Red Arrows aerial display

22:20: Firework display begins

23:00: Ships depart

Councillor Warwick Payne, from Southampton City Council, is delighted to see the city playing its part in the weekend's celebrations.

He said: "The Queen's Diamond Jubilee is a special and historic occasion and it's fitting that Southampton will be celebrating in such style."

Following the Red Arrows aerial display, the celebrations will come to a head in an evening spectacular when all three ships will be brought together, as fireworks and special effects light up the evening sky.

Queen Mary 2 will then lead Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in single file down the Solent as all three ships set out on their celebratory Diamond Jubilee voyages.