Tall ships sailing to Liverpool

The city will host the Tall Ships Race in its culture year - 2008

A fleet of tall ships is arriving at Liverpool's famous waterfront for a two-day visit.

The Liverpool Culture Company's "All Aboard" is a taster event for 2008, when Liverpool will host the start of the Tall Ships Race.

Most of the ships will be at Wellington and Sandon docks, with HMS Albion at Canada Dock and Artemis at Albert Dock.

City council leader Warren Bradley, said: "Seeing the tall ships arrive on the River Mersey is a fantastic sight."

A free park and ride service, operating every ten minutes, will take ferry visitors to the docks from the city centre for the event on Saturday and Sunday.

Jason Harborow, chief executive of Liverpool Culture Company, said: "The start of the Tall Ships Race in 2008 will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of 2008, attracting tens of thousands of spectators.

"We're delighted to welcome some ships to Liverpool this weekend to give just a flavour of what's planned for two years' time."