Thousands of people braved the rain to watch a 50 ft ( 15 m ) high mechanical spider come to life in Liverpool . About 5,000 people watched La Princesse come out of " hibernation " outside the city 's arena at King 's Dock on Friday . An estimated 20,000 more were in the city on Friday evening to see her crawl down The Strand before heading for a resting place at the Cunard building . She was woken in a hail of fireworks and smoke at 1130 BST on Friday , before striding up and down in front of the arena in front of the cheering crowd .

* They are there to see a returning legend .;
* They are there to see royalty .;
* They are there to see a famed businessman .;
* They are there to see a politician .;
Q: Why have so many people gathered in rough conditions ?
They are there to see a returning legend .