We had been planning to visit Liverpool but I had read there was a huge event on there today and wondered if the traffic and parking might be a bit crazy. But nothing ventured, nothing gained so we set off on a grey morning. We passed a large power station but we were surprised that the drive to the city was amongst pretty countryside. And right to the docks there was none of the grimy industrial city that we had imagined. The traffic was slow near the parking, but not a serious problem. 
 
 
 
Emerging from the underground park we saw that there were many people around the docks, all to come and see the celebrations for the 70th Commemoration of The Battle of the Atlantic. There have been events for this across the country but Liverpool had the national focus. Today there were 25 navy ships from around the world docked here, plus aircraft of various kinds, bands and lots of pop up activities. More than 30,000 seamen lost their lives defending the seaways so that men, munitions and raw materials could be sent to where they were required. It is said that this was vital to the final victory.
 
The Tate Liverpool was also celebrating its 25th birthday, so we had a look there, as we did the Slavery Museum and the exhibition in the Maritime Museum remembering three shipping disasters with links to Liverpool. 

But the most enjoyable was the atmosphere. Everywhere we walked they were playing war era music over the loudspeakers. Who can't have a lighter step when the Andrews Sisters are singing?
 
 

The buildings in Liverpool were also a surprise to us. There are magnificent old buildings. The first we saw was the Liver Building (apparently said as 'lie-ver' - wonder why?), and totally not what we expected by the water.. But what was fantastic was the the mix of old and new buildings and the striking designs of the new buildings. All angular, stark and obviously keeping the shipping theme in their design.

What more to finish our sightseeing but 'The Beatles Story '. This was great - very well presented and lots of music along the way. The backgrounds of the Beatles themselves and those connected to their rise to stardom is well documented and there are lots
 of artefacts. There were many of our generation viewing but also quite a few young ones. Great place.

So to cap off the day we had dinner at  Jamie's Italian, a chain here with 20 or more shops around the country. Very nicely decorated inside and great service by young staff. We were there at 5.30pm, so could choose the 'Proper Italian feast for 2' (£15 per person). This is a tasting type meal. The wait person suggested we have the cold part first,and proceeded to put two cans of tomato paste on the table. This formed the base for the plank which had cured meats, mozzarella and chilli, olives, gem lettuce and bread. This was followed by small size dishes to share - wild mushroom risotto, slow-cooked hunter’s chicken stew with tomato, garlic & olive sauce, pasta alla Norma and polenta chips. Always a sucker for trifle, I could not say no to the Rhubarb Trifle, and I was glad I did.

All in all a fab day in Liverpool.