On the 4 and 5 of July 2015, Transatlantic 175 will commemorate 175 years of cruise passenger travel across the Atlantic with a weekend of cultural events that span Liverpool’s waterfront and historic docks. The city will become a creative culture clash between the home-grown music, fashion, art, design, food and film of the 19th, 20th and 21st century influences that have travelled across the pond from the ports of Halifax Nova Scotia, Boston and New York since Samuel Cunard’s first crossing on 4 July, 1840.
Coinciding with the weekend of American Independence, insights from both cultures will be explored and played out in the museums, galleries and evocative public spaces that line Liverpool’s World Heritage Site including Albert Dock, Mann Island and Pier Head – all the under the spectacle of Queen Mary 2 which will be proudly sitting on the River Mersey.
Expect to see 3,300 miles of ocean bridged by a common love of dancing, glamour and design. The waterfront will come alive with special tributes and dedications to cultural movements and the wealth of creativity shared between the transatlantic cities. Relive the decadent Charleston infused Jazz Age of America, twist to music from the British invasion of the 1960s, hit the free disco with sounds of soul, funk, house and hip hop that continues to unite people, young and old, across the Atlantic today. These glorious and historic spaces will be dressed with classic vehicles, sound, light, taste, art, fashion and dance from both sides of the Atlantic.
Transatlantic 175 is an exploration and unique celebration of cultural history and contemporary exchange representing the eras of the past 175 years.
On Saturday 4 July, in association with Very.co.uk, come and see Liverpool attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title with ‘The Very Big Catwalk’ that digs deep into the heart and soul of Liverpool’s fashion tribes and communities. The ‘Very Big After Party‘ sees a disco on the docks like never before – and everyone’s invited. Merseyside-born DJ Greg Wilson will take you on a musical journey that rediscovers the influential sounds that Liverpool heard first. And once the party is over, Queen Mary 2 will depart the Liverpool shores, re-creating Cunard’s maiden journey from 1840. The vessel, its passengers and the Pier Head audience will be part of a stunning and unforgettable patriotic send-off which is not to be missed.
On Sunday 5 July prepare to be amazed as ‘The Classic Car Cavalcade’ takes a land cruise through the city with one hundred and seventy five vintage vehicles from Britain and the US, and to compliment this Albert Dock will host a display of classic cars.
As if this wasn’t enough, the weekend also brings a bespoke version of Wayne Hemingway MBE’s highly acclaimed Vintage Festival to town as ‘Vintage on the Dock’ arrives for both the Saturday and Sunday at Albert Dock. Experience an authentic celebration of the music, fashion, art, design, film and food of the 20s to the 90s and take a look at how British pop throughout the decades has been influenced by the special cultural relationship with North America.
You will never go hungry as your taste buds are delighted with the very special ‘Eat the Atlantic Food Festival’ on Mann Island, a must for all the family. Expect food demonstrations, street theatre, workshops, and children’s storytelling. There really is something for everyone.