Red Letter Day for QE'2's Visit

This story appeared in the Greenock Telegraph: Saturday, 30th June, 2007

THE Red Arrows and the Royal Marines are set to invade Greenock.

They are being lined up to be the stars of a massive day of celebration planned for the QE2’s visit in September.

Inverclyde Council will now spend £40,000 readying the town for a visual feast featuring the marines and the popular air display team.

They will also fork out for banners, flags, decorations and various attractions set for Greenock Esplanade.

The world-renowned QE2 will celebrate its 40th anniversary in September and is due to make a visit to Greenock Ocean Terminal.

Previous visits from the liner have seen the town grind to a halt as visitors flock to the Esplanade throughout the day, eager to take part in the celebrations.

But this September’s event is expected to draw even more visitors to the town, and the council is setting aside £5,000 for publicity and promotion.

Councillors unanimously agreed to stage the event when they met on Thursday.

Aubrey Fawcett, corporate director for regeneration and resources, said: “Greenock Esplanade would be the main focus for activities on the day.

“The two event spaces at Roseneath Street and Johnston Street would be utilised, and various attractions such as vintage fire appliances and other displays would be brought in to give a mile of points of interest.

“Efforts are being made to attract the Red Arrows Display Team, and the band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines has confirmed availability for the day.”

Provost Mike McCormick told the meeting: “I think it’s very important to use the visit to mark Inverclyde and bring people to the area.”

Councillor Ciano Rebecchi welcomed the proposals, but voiced fears of a constituent who said the Esplanade railings needed to be improved.

Chief executive John Mundell said of the railings issue: “We have carried out estimates, and it would cost £20,000 to £25,000 to do the job fully.

“At this moment in time we don’t have the budget available for that purpose. It’s a matter that needs to be discussed further.”

By Fariha Karim