Trafalgar 200 International Drumhead Ceremony

The Duke of York and HRH Prince Michael of Kent to attend Trafalgar 200 International Drumhead Ceremony - Wednesday 29 June 2005.

HRH The Duke of York and HRH Prince Michael of Kent will be the guests of honour at The International Drumhead Ceremony (IDC), which takes place on Southsea Common adjacent to the War Memorial. A key part of the Trafalgar 200 programme, the IDC provides an opportunity for maritime veterans from UK and abroad to reflect on the personal sacrifice of war and service; it will also allow them to meet old shipmates and comrades.

The ceremony will run from 1100 to 1200 and have significant youth participation, including displays of artwork and creative objects used by the ongoing 'Veterans in Schools' projects. The ceremony will have a formal Drumhead act of worship led by the Bishop of Portsmouth, The Right Reverend Kenneth Stevenson MA PHD DD FRHistS, joined by representatives of other faiths.

The finale will include a steam past by a Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier and a fly past of former and modern military aircraft ranging from the Spitfire to the Sea Harrier.

The Veterans Centre, adjacent to the IDC Arena, will be open from 0900 to 1700 on Tuesday 28 June and from 0830 to 2000 on Wednesday 29 June for veterans, and from about 1500 to 2000 on 29 June for the general public.

This all weather facility will provide internet facilities to trace `old pals', display artwork created by the Veteran School Child Link, top class entertainment from the Royal Marines Dixie Band and offer a wide selection of food and beverage concessions. Tickets are still available for this event.

Veterans are invited to apply as soon as possible for free tickets that will admit Two persons (veteran and guest) to both the IDC and the Veterans Centre, by contacting the IDC Office on 02392 726625 or 02392 722134. Further details on the IDC or any other Trafalgar 200 events can be found on the Trafalgar 200 website: Trafalgar 200.