Major milestone as new Mersey Ferry begins sea trials

HISTORY will be made this week as the 1st new Mersey Ferry in over 60 years begins sea trials on the river; giving Liverpool City Region residents their 1st chance to see the Royal Daffodil in action.

Painted in Mersey Ferries' historic red, white and black colours, the Royal Daffodil is due to leave APCL Cammell Laird's shipyard in Birkenhead tomorrow (Thursday, 16 April) where she has spent 2 years under construction.

The ferry was first floated on the river last November and moved immediately to the shipyard's test basin to be fitted out internally.

The start of sea trials is a highly visible, landmark moment for the world famous Mersey Ferries and comes just a fortnight after the Royal Iris was retired and the Dazzle Ferry:- 'Snowdrop' resumed services on the river.

As part of a complex, carefully coordinated process, the trials will assess the 750 tonne ferry's operational performance, control systems, propulsion power and manoeuvrability.

Onboard engineers will put the ferry's navigation and communication systems through their paces, test passenger safety features such as alarms and lifesaving equipment, plus carry out berthing operations at the Seacombe and Pier Head terminals, to ensure the vessel meets maritime industry standards.

It is estimated the �26m, 50 metre long ferry will reach around 12 knots during the 2 day test period.

Gary Evans, Director of Customer and Operations:- "This is a landmark moment for the Liverpool City Region and for the future of Mersey Ferries. This is the first ever Mersey Ferry commissioned and built with a leisure focus in mind and this key milestone of 1t operational sea trials brings us a step closer to welcoming a modern vessel that celebrates the river's heritage while supporting services for generations to come."

David McGinley Group Chief Executive Officer of APCL Group said:- "Sea Trials are a critical and final part of the shipbuilding programme as they will allow our engineers and the ship's crew to put the vessel through its paces on the River Mersey. APCL Cammell Laird has always been a global business with a local heart, and it is a point of pride that we have delivered the Royal Daffodil. APCL Cammell Laird and the wider APCL Group wish her well as she and her crew embark on her trials. This latest Mersey Ferry is a true celebration of shipbuilding in the Region and demonstrates that the Region remains at the forefront of the global shipbuilding industry."

Looking ahead, more sea trials are planned, along with captain and crew training, as teams get the new ferry ready for passenger service later this year.

The purpose built, fully accessible vessel is designed to offer a world class experience to both everyday passengers and event goers thanks to large, open plan decks and smaller, more intimate event spaces for corporate functions and private parties, alongside new regular seasonal cruises.

With warm tones and thick fabrics, it will offer a new level of comfort for the world-famous Mersey Ferries while securing the service for future generations. 

A virtual walkthrough; accessible on the Mersey Ferries website or at a:- 'Future of the Ferries' exhibition at Seacombe Terminal; allows passengers to experience the new high spec ferry, while being able to immerse themselves in the luxurious, comfortable surroundings and picture themselves enjoying a cruise while taking in the unique views across the Mersey that only the Ferries can offer.

Vinyl, coffee and bacon butties with Quicksilver Music and harp Coffee and Games in Southport

RECORD Store Quicksilver Music and Harp Coffee and Games, in Southport, are once again teaming up to ensure music lovers enjoy Record Store Day UK!

This year's event will take place on:- Saturday, 18 April 2026, with large numbers of shoppers once again expected at this iconic local independent record store, on the corner of Market Street and King Street, near Southport Market. The shop has been established for 17 years.

The doors will open at 8 am with some exciting finds waiting to be discovered. The good news for people queuing is that they will be able to sustain themselves through buying coffee and bacon sandwiches from harp Coffee and Games on King King Street, owned by Nick McCoy, who worked with Dave Thornley from Quicksilver Music to great acclaim 12 months ago.

In 2025's Record Store Day UK, in Southport, was described as:- "the best yet," with people queuing up outside the shop for up to 12 hours. The 1st person in the queue was there from:- 8.30 pm on the Friday night; he queued for nearly 12 hours; to buy the limited edition Wicked soundtrack (�50), 1 of just 3 available in Quicksilver, for his daughter.

Owner Dave Thornley said:- "Just a few days to go now until Record Store Day UK! We will be opening at:- 8 am, on:- Saturday, 5 people in at a time, no reserves. 1 copy of each title per person, you know the rules by now! We are teaming up again with the fabulous harp Coffee and Games who will be taking your orders for coffee and bacon sandwiches in the queue. If you haven't already been in touch, you only have until:- Tuesday to get your requests in. If you have left a comment, messaged us, dropped in or given us a call, we have your wish lists, if not and you are coming to Quicksilver Music, have a look at the list over on @recordstoreday ASAP and let us know."

Record Store Day UK returns on:- Saturday, 18 April 2026, for its 19 edition, celebrating independent record shops and the people who support them. More than 280 UK record shops, alongside thousands worldwide, will take part with exclusive physical releases and in-store events.

Record Store Day UK will unveil hundreds of exclusive releases landing in participating shops. Since launching in 2007, Record Store Day has grown into 1 of the most anticipated dates in the music calendar, highlighting the continued importance of independent record retail.

Record Store Day 2026 is supported by a range of partners who share RSD's passion for music, creativity, and independent record shops.

The event, on:- 12 April 2025, was a huge success for Quicksilver Music. It was the 1st Record Store Day event at Quicksilver Music since the shop moved into bigger new premises from its previous home further along Market Street.

Quicksilver Music owner Dave Thornley said:- "Our Record Store Day event was an amazing success! It was our best Record Store Day yet, and so much better in our bigger premises. The support we received from our customers was great as always. We've been open for 17 years so we have a dedicated bunch of regulars but it was really nice to see new faces too, all are welcome!"

The second person in the queue in 2025 was there from midnight, after catching the last train from Ainsdale, to buy vinyl by Oasis, Verve and Liam Gallagher. 3rd in the queue was Darren Mawdesley from Southport, who had stood outside since:- 1.30 am. Fourth was John McKenzie, who arrived from Maghull at:- 2.15 am, determined to add to his Oasis collection. Chloe Robertson from Southport arrived at:- 3.45 am to buy records by:- Taylor Swift, Royal Otis and Post Malone.

1 regular in the queue said:- "I have been coming to Quicksilver Music for years! It's a brilliant independent shop. It's become even better since it moved into bigger new premises, with more records now available. Owner Dave Thornley has built a real community of record lovers, through his shop, through the superb videos he creates, and through his social media pages, where we can chat about who's buying what, what time everyone's arriving in the queue etc. Southport has become a real destination to come and spend the day for people who love their music and love to collect records."

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....

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Major milestone as new Mersey Ferry begins sea trials

Vinyl, coffee and bacon butties with Quicksilver Music and harp Coffee and Games in Southport