Final preparations are under way for Liverpool's first Pageant of Power - a spectacular carnival of supercars and motorised transport of all kinds starting at 7pm today (Tues 24th May).
Some congestion for traffic was experienced in the morning rush hour but organisers are warning that motorists should avoid the city this evening between 6pm and 10pm.
During that period The Strand an a stretch of roadway either side of Liverpool One will be closed to traffic.
Car parks at Liverpool One, John Lewis will be closed between 5.45pm and 10pm and those attending the Pageant are advised to park outside the area and walk down to the city or take public transport.
Rush hour chaos is being widely predicted since it is feared many drivers from both inside the city and elsewhere are unaware of the impact of the road closures during the evening peak.
The Strand and adjoining roads will be closed at 5.45pm and will remain closed until after the event which ends at 9.30pm and marks the second "birthday" of the Liverpool ONE shopping centre.
Diversions will in place but organisers, the city council and police say they expect "inevitable disruption to normal traffic flows".
A spokesman for Liverpool ONE said: "We are confident that the event will be a really memorable and will become a highlight in he city's calendar.
"However, this is the first of its kind and we are concerned to stress to motorists that roads and car parks will be closed from 5.45pm.
"And for those attending the event our best advice is to use public transport."
More than fifteen thousand spectators are expected to throng Liverpool’s historic waterfront for a fabulous air, sea and road display and the event it expected to generate £1m in revenue for the city.
The Pageant will be two-and-a-half hours of frantic, noisy action on land, sea and air starting at 7pm and a version of a similar pageant staged at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire later in the year.
Entries will include Le Mans winning Jaguar, Bentley and Maserati cars; a collection of modern supercars from Lamborghini and Ferrari as well as the latest models from Cholmondeley sponsor Bentley.
Two wheel heroes Neil Tuxworth and 12 time TT winner Charlie Williams will be on hand with modern and classic racing motorcycles.
All buses and trains in and out of the city will operate as usual although some buses may terminate at Queen Square.
Mersey Ferries cross river sailings will run until the later time of 8.45pm to accommodate those wishing to attend the Pageant of Power and Merseyrail services are also expected to be very busy.
Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel said: “This promises to be a great event that all of the family can enjoy.
"With the wide choice of buses available, plus free park and ride facilities at many of our stations, it makes sense to travel into the city on public transport.”
Further transport information and full timetable details call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.
The event marks the start of a whole week of celebration of the 2nd anniversary of the opening of Liverpool ONE. Events and activities continue from from 24 – 29 May
Would-be "James Bonds" can take a ride in a car just like his. The Sporting Bears Motorclub will be in Liverpool ONE on Saturday 29th May giving visitors the chance to ride in an Aston Martin, as well as a Ferrari 196, Jaguar X5, TVR Tuscan and many more.
A small donation to charity will land a ride in one of the dream machines
Other activities include a climbing wall, inflatable assault course, Spider Wall and an extreme adventure course on Chavasse Park, whilst Paradise Place plays home to Trojan racers and a flight simulator.
For a chance to get in the driving seat whatever your age, virtual F1 driver games are located in the unit opposite John Lewis on Paradise Street along with a paintball range, Aprilla motorbikes and Demon Tweaks cars, as well as selling Pageant of Power and Grand Prix goodies.
In addition, the Ministry of Defence are at Liverpool ONE throughout the week raising money for Help for Heroes, hosting displays and demonstrations at various locations.
Liverpool ONE Estate Director, Chris Bliss said: “The Liverpool Pageant of Power has given us the opportunity to bring a whole programme of exciting, interactive activities to Liverpool ONE, which we hope will be enjoyed by families and visitors throughout the whole week and help us raise as much as possible for Help for Heroes.”
The following roads will be closed from around 6:00pm and are expected to re-open at around 9:30pm:
The Strand from its southern-most junction with St Nicholas Place to its junction with Water Street. Access around the gyratory and into and out of St Nicholas Place will be maintained
Goree
Strand Street
Wapping - from its junction with Strand Street to its junction with Liver Street
Water Street - from its junction with Drury Lane to its junction with Canada Boulevard
James Street - from its junction with Fenwick Street to its junction with The Strand
Georges Dockway
Mann Island
Redcross Street
Canada Boulevard
Churchill Way south bound, from its junction with Commutation Row to its junction with Dale St
Mersey Ferries are extending services through until 8.45pm and the nearest rail stations are James Street on the Wirral Line, Moorfields for the Northern Line and Lime Street for City Line and national trains.
For more information about Liverpool ONE’s events, visit www.liverpool-one.com/website
whitey, liverpool around 1 year, 11 months ago