THE Red Arrows display to mark the departure of the famous 'Three Queens' from Southampton today is still due to go ahead despite this morning's rain.

The well-known jets are due to perform their iconic display as the distinctive Cunard ships, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, set sail from the city's port.

A spokesperson for the Red Arrows said the event, which is due to begin at 7.30pm, will still take place this evening.

"It would take quite heavy rain for us to not go ahead with the display," the spokesperon added.

"We will try. We will come down, take a look and if we can perform we will."

Passengers on the famous black, red and white coloured shipswill watch the RAF jets fly-over in formation as they reach the Solent.

The Queens will then go their separate ways, with the Queen Mary heading to New York, the Queen Elizabeth to Gothenburg and the Queen Victoria to Haugesund in Norway.

According to Cunard, it will be the first time in the company's 178 year history that guests will have had such an opportunity.

Alongside the display, guests will be treated to a special commentary while the jets perform.

They will also receive a memorable send off from the yachtsmen and spectators at Cowes and The Royal Yacht Squadron.

The Cunard fleet will set sail from Southampton at 5.30pm, heading for the Isle of Wight.

The Red Arrows display will start at 7.30pm.

This will be followed by a smoke fly-over above Three Queens at approximately 7.52pm.

Shoreside viewing is recommended from Lee-on-the-Solent, East Cowes Esplanade, West Cowes, Stokes Bay and Sea View, Ryde Esplanade or Southsea.

In addition, Cunard is hosting five lucky children who have won a competition to become a ‘Captain for the Day’ experience.

To win the competition, run in conjunction with the Daily Echo, entrants had to share with Cunard, in their own words, why they deserved to be a ‘captain for the day'.

The children will have a tour of Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth, spending time with captains and a visit to the bridge.

They will then enjoy lunch on board and finish their day with a trip round all three Queens in a speedboat.

It will also be the first time the Three Queens have docked together in Southampton since 2016.

The Cunard fleet also docked in Southampton in 2015, when the company celebrated its 175th anniversary.

For almost 100 years Cunard called Southampton home, and during that time many spectacular events, royal visits and special occasions have been shared by the company and the city.

Satvir Kaur, Southampton City Council's cabinet member for culture, welcomed the event.

She said: "It’s really exciting that the three Queens will all be docked in Southampton.

"The city is the UK’s biggest cruise port, bringing two million passengers to the city every year and contributing £2.5 million to the local economy.

"I hope residents and visitors come to mark this occasion."