Stepping into the void left by the collapsed Liverpool Boat Show, Spring on the Waterfront kicks off tomorrow on Merseyside.

Tall Ship visits, a shanty festival and regattas are happening alongside more than 100 free events, many of which were originally scheduled as part of the boat show.

Spring on the Waterfront runs to May 8 and the Royal Wedding will be shown on a giant screen as planned.

The City of Liverpool council’s head of events, Judith Feather, said: ‘Spring on the Waterfront is set to be a fantastic event and it’s a real credit to the maritime industry and other regional organisations who have worked with us at short notice to make it possible.’

The Tall Ship Stavros S Niarchos (pictured) will arrive, crewed by 40 teenagers from the Liverpool area.

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