QE2

Watch & Listen

BBC South will broadcast a special one hour programme from 18:30 - 19:30 GMT on BBC One, (Sky channel 984), the programme will also be available on the red button and streamed live on this site where there will be extended coverage including the fireworks until approximately 20:15.

BBC Radio Solent will be broadcasting special QE2 programmes throughout the day. Drivetime 16:00 - 21:00 GMT will capture the atmosphere at Mayflower Park - listen on 96.1 FM or online.

There'll also be a dedicated travel bulletin service for the duration of the event with news on public transport and the inevitable traffic jams.

Southampton's Mayflower Park off West Quay Road will be the city's vantage point for QE2's departure and fireworks display. Entry to the park is free, a big screen will feature BBC coverage of the QE2 and the special live one hour QE2 farewell programme from 18:30 - 19:30 GMT.

Other info

QE2 will be flying her red "paying off" pennant from her mast to mark the end of her commission - QE2's is particularly impressive as the pennant's length is determined by years of service, one foot for each of her 39 years.

To mark the 90th anniversary of the Armistice a poppy drop is planned over QE2 just after 11am. At 13:40 there's a planned sail and flypast from RFA Mounts Bay and three patrol boats and an RAF Harrier.

It's bound to be a cold night, so make sure you wrap up warm, take warm drinks and a torch, particularly if you're heading for one of the shoreline vantage points - allow plenty of time to get to your preferred viewing spot and be prepared for delays.

Getting there and away

Mayflower Park is approximately one mile from Southampton city centre.

Road: Head into the city following signs for Mayflower Park. Parking: Dock Gate 8 (by the Holiday Inn), West Quay and Ocean Village.

Train: Signs will be in place to direct you from Southampton Central to Mayflower Park. There will also be a free shuttle bus from Southampton Central to Town Quay nr Mayflower Park.

Coach: National Express coaches stop at the Coach Station, Harbour Parade. It's just under one mile to walk to Mayflower Park.

Ferry: Red Funnel runs services between Town Quay & Cowes. Hythe Ferry runs half hourly between Town Quay, Southampton and Hythe Pier, passing by Ocean Terminal (home of the QE2) The journey takes 12 minutes and runs on a 'turn up and go' basis.

Other vantage points

As QE2 heads down the Solent there are nine prime spots to view the famous liner; Weston Shore, Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley, Hamble Common, Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport, Hythe, Calshot. On the Isle of Wight the best views are from Cowes & Ryde.