TENS of thousands of people will line both sides of the Mersey on Monday to watch Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 return together as part of celebrations for Cunard's 175th anniversary in the company's spiritual home, Liverpool.

The liners will meet at the mouth of the river near New Brighton and begin their passage down towards the Three Graces on Liverpool’s waterfront.

The Red Arrows fly-past is due to take place at 1.50pm that afternoon.

The ships' arrival is being celebrated with a host of entertainment on Liverpool waterfront.

Liver and Cunard buildings have become canvas for Amazing Graces light show.

Described as a '30-minute visual feast' by its producer, the Colour Project, the show was beamed on to the historic buildings last night Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

It explores the spirit of Liverpool and is a celebration of the city's culture and heritage along with its Cunard links.

The schedule for the Bank Holiday Monday is as follows:

Monday, May 25: 10.45am - Queen Mary 2 leaves the berth to greet her two sisters at Brazil Buoy (on the river between Crosby Beach and New Brighton)

12pm-2pm: Three Queens meet and sail in formation south towards the Liverpool Echo Arena, and then north along the River Mersey.

2.10pm: Queen Mary 2 will depart and Queen Elizabeth will take up berth at Cruise Terminal, while the Queen Victoria will remain mid river.

10pm: Amazing projections 10.30pm: Firework display, after which the Queen Elizabeth leaves the city and Queen Victoria berths at the Cruise Terminal.

Tuesday, May 26: 4.30pm - A special musical sail-away performance to say goodbye to Queen Victoria.

5pm: Queen Victoria sails out of the city. Queen Mary 2 will then return to the cruise terminal on July 4 to recreate the voyage of the first Cunard ship, Britannia, from Liverpool to New York.

Northern Rail, which runs services between St Helens and Liverppol, is running a revised timetable on Monday 25 May to help spectators get in and out of Liverpool for this historic event.

The compnay said it will also be operating four-carriage electric trains over the weekend which will provide much needed space for customers.

Further information and the latest timetables can be found at northernrail.org/threequeens

Arriva Merseyside services will operate a Sunday timetable for all bus services on Bank Holiday Monday, with extra buses on standby if there are particularly busy periods during the day.

For more information on bus services and times, visit arrivabus.co.uk and follow @Merseytravel throughout the event weekend for travel information.”

Road closures will be in place around the waterfront from 9am to 4pm. People planning to attend the event are urged to plan their journeys and give themselves plenty of time.

Police have warned travellers there will be vast crowds on the region's transport network.

Superintendent Paul White is Silver Commander for the event.  He said: "The three Cunard ships coming together for the very first time is part of the One Magnificent City celebrations and is one of many events taking place across Merseyside this summer.

"We are expecting large crowds, particularly when the Three Queens come together on the river on Monday, and I'd like to extend everyone a very warm welcome for what should be a spectacular event.

"Officers will be visible throughout the weekend to help make sure everyone enjoys it safely, but there are also some simple steps people can take to help protect themselves and their belongings:

- please always follow all directions or instructions given by police officers and the event safety stewards 
- don't leave your property, including bags and mobile phones, unattended and keep valuables close at all times
- keep wallets, purses and cash safe and out of sight
- keep children close by as there will be large crowds

Superintendent White added:  "The number of visitors expected means the transport network will be extremely busy and, along with our partners, we are encouraging people to start planning their journeys now if they haven't done already and to think about the mode of transport they are going to use.

"Merseytravel is co-ordinating all the public transport plans and information and people intending to travel to the event are advised to visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk regularly for travel updates.  They can also follow @merseytravel on twitter, looking out for messages with the hashtag #3queenstravel. 

"Clearly, the possible national rail strike for 24 hours from 5pm on Monday, 25 May means, as it stands, there will be significant disruption to many rail services throughout Monday although Merseyrail are still planning to run frequent and longer trains until around 6pm.  There will also be more buses on key routes across Merseyside. 

"The main message from all the travel organisations is to plan ahead and be prepared.  Travel updates and alerts will be posted on the Merseytravel website and people can also call the Merseytravel travel line on 0151 236 7676 or 0871 200 2233 if they need help.

"Officers will be on duty throughout the event to provide help, advice and reassurance and we are looking forward to playing our part in what promises to be a memorable occasion."

Details of the whole Three Queens event and Cunard’s 175 anniversary celebrations are on www.onemagnificentcity.com