Gerry Marsden of "Gerry and the Pacemakers" made number 8 in the December 1964 British hit parade with "Ferry 'cross the Mersey". This photograph is an attempt at a visual reminder of that song. There were many other groups who were part of the Mersey beat scene (see the Mathew Street photograph).

It is believed that the first ferry sailed across the Mersey in 1207, the same year that Liverpool received the charter from King John.