Here is a rough guide to whats happening on the last day in Southampton as published on the City Council Website...

Approximate timings:

9.00am - 8.00pm
Giant video screen operational (Mayflower Park).

11.00am
A million poppies will be dropped from a Tiger Moth bi-plane to commemorate Armistice day.

1.40pm
Planned flypast by an RAF Harrier from No 1 (F) Squadron which has links to the QE2 through the Falklands campaign in 1982. The Harrier is planning a slow speed 'stalk' up the river from the south to the QE2 where it will turn, bow, turn away and then leave. The hover is planned to be at around 50metres, 150 metres away from the ship.

1.40pm
Planned sail past by RFA Mounts Bay and three P2000 Royal Navy Archer Class small patrol boats - HMS Blazer, HMS Puncher and HMS Tracker. Other vessels are welcome to take part.

5.30pm - 6.30pm
The Silver Beatles perform live on stage (Mayflower Park).

6.30pm - 7.30pm
Live coverage of the QE2 as she leaves her berth on the giant video screen (Mayflower Park).

7.15pm
QE2 leaves her berth in the Eastern Docks for the last time and will back up towards Mayflower Park where she will be held in position off Mayflower Park.

7.25pm
Captain of the QE2 to deliver a message from the bridge of the ship. This will be broadcast onto the giant screen in Mayflower Park.

7.40pm
Spectacular firework display with QE2 in the foreground. Excellent view available from Mayflower Park.

7.50pm - 8.30pm
The Silver Beatles to perform live on stage (Mayflower Park).

Admission to Mayflower Park is completely free.

8.00pm
QE2 sails past her berth for the last time accompanied by flares. Please see the map below for information on vantage points to see the ship as she sails along Southampton Water.

Brgds,
Andrew

[ 11-04-2008: Message edited by: OceanVoyager ]

Commodore Warwick will be aboard as a guest lecturer - which will prove a very fitting end to QE2's enrichment programme.

ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS SOUTHAMPTON

NOTICE TO MARINERS

No 61 (T) of 2008

Final Departure of Queen Elizabeth 2 from Southampton – 11 November 2008

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday 11 November 2008 Queen Elizabeth 2 will make her final call to Southampton. She will arrive in the port to berth on 38/39 Berths at 0700 and will depart on her final cruise at 1915.

The plan for Queen Elizabeth 2’s final day in Southampton will be as follows:

0700 Queen Elizabeth 2 swings and berths port side to quay on 38/39 Berths

1102 Flypast and Poppy drop – Pier Head to Dock Head

1340 Royal Air Force Harrier Flypast and Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary steampast

1915 Queen Elizabeth 2 slips from 38/39 Berths and conducts a sternboard to Middle Swinging Ground, off Mayflower Park

1935 Firework display off Mayflower Park (See NTM No 62(T) of 2008)

1945 Queen Elizabeth 2 departs to sea

2000 approx Camera crews etc disembark to Southampton Patrol Launch, vicinity of NW Netley Buoy

All mariners are advised that no other shipping movements will be permitted in the main channel between Dock Head and the Middle Swinging Ground between 1315 and 1345 and again between 1900 and 2000.

Owners of small craft who intend to view Queen Elizabeth 2’s departure are advised that they should remain clear of the main channel between Dock Head and the Middle Swinging Ground between 1900 and 2000. Port of Southampton Patrol Launches will be patrolling the area to maintain an exclusion zone in the vicinity of Queen Elizabeth 2 and skippers of small craft are requested to observe all instructions from Patrol Launch staff.

Mariners should consult VTS Southampton to confirm timings for their movements in the normal manner.

Notice to Mariners No 62(T) of 2008 also refers.

This notice will be self-cancelling on conclusion of the event.

Vessel Traffic Services Centre
Berth 37, Eastern Docks
Southampton
Captain P Holliday
Harbour Master
5 November 2008

Owners, Agents, Charterers, Marinas, Yacht Clubs and Recreational Sailing Organisations should ensure that the contents of this Notice are made known to the masters or persons in charge of their vessels or craft.

PORTSMOUTH'S own Beatles tribute band, The Silver Beatles.

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Andrew Powell (Lennon), Jason Kaye (Macca), Darren Vernall (George) and Jim Rogers (Ringo) have received many favourable comparisons to the original, including high praise from Cynthia Lennon - and she should know.

The Silver Beatles centre on the original band's mop top era and play a 40-minute set encompassing hits from 1962-'70.

A full authentic experience is ensured with costumes including wigs and sharp tailored suits and original period amplifiers and period guitars.

All the favourites are on offer: Can't Buy Me Love, A Hard Day's Night, Ticket To Ride, Help, Hey Jude and Let It Be. A great party atmosphere is guaranteed.
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