Summer Calendar


Tuesday 28th June 2005

The International Fleet Review
The Royal Navy hosts an international fleet made up of vessels from the navies of over 30 countries. Many other craft, including merchant ships and some of the world’s finest tall ships will also participate, extending the 600-year-old tradition of the Fleet Review into a modern symbol of international maritime friendship and co-operation.

Tuesday 28th June 2005

The Son et Lumiere
Featuring a memorable illustration of a Napoleonic era sea battle on a theatrical grand scale using tall ships, pyrotechnics, music, screens, and radio broadcasts �?culminating in a massive firework display and illumination of the Fleet.

Wednesday 29th June 2005

International Drumhead Ceremony
Maritime veterans from many nations and conflicts are invited to a special ceremony, taking place on Southsea Common, for those who have fallen in conflict. Traditionally this battlefield service is held around an altar of drums stacked in the shape of a pyramid and draped in regimental colours. The Drumhead Ceremony will be a poignant and reflective occasion.

Thursday 30th June to Sunday 3rd July 2005

The International Festival of the Sea
A vibrant celebration of the sea, bringing together sailors, musicians, artists, entertainers, ships and boats from all points of the compass. Come and walk aboard many of the ships that appeared in the International Fleet Review, talk to the crews and find out about life onboard.

Featuring dynamic displays on land and sea, colourful scenes recreating life in Nelson’s day, this is one of the world’s greatest maritime festivals and will be taking place in the Royal Naval base and Historic Dockyard at Portsmouth over four days.