Trafalgar 200
Preparing for Trafalgar Day on HMS Victory. One of Victory's crew is pictured in authentic 1805 crew uniform.
Wreath laid on HMS Victory to mark the anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar.

On the 28th June 05 one of the largest ever Fleet Reviews will be held to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson.

The International Fleet Review in the Solent, attended by HM The Queen, will mark the start of a special programme of events in Portsmouth and the Solent between 28th June and 3rd July.  Some 167 vessels will take part in the Review, which will conclude with a flypast of 50 aircraft.  The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary will have 65 ships in attendance, and the French are sending the aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle.

In the evening there will be a Son et Lumiere in the approaches to Portsmouth Harbour which will illustrate an early 19th Century sea battle. 

The following day an International Drumhead Ceremony will be held on Southsea Common in the presence of HRH The Duke of York accompanied by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.  The ceremony will honour maritime veterans of all nations and commemorate those who have given their lives in conflict and service in the Armed Forces.

Finally, an International Festival of the Sea will be held from 30th June to 3rd July 2005 in HM Naval Base Portsmouth.  In addition to a significant number of the warships and Tall Ships taking part in the Fleet Review, a substantial number of smaller vessels will join the Festival which will be open to ticket-paying members of the public.

At the programme launch on 21 June 2005, First Sea Lord Sir Alan West said:

"The theme for Trafalgar 200 'Past Glories - Future Horizons' not only recognises the importance of youth but it also emphasises the qualities of Admiral Lord Nelson who was a hero and an inspirational leader recognised not just in this country by throughout the world.  His qualities of leadership, teamwork, wise delegation, determination, commitment, humanity, bravery, courage and passion are as pertinent today as they were 200 years ago and represent an ideal that we can all aspire to - whether in military or civilian life."

The dates of the summer programme are:

28 June:   International Fleet Review and Son et Lumiere illustration of a 19th century maritime battle in the Eastern Solent
29 June:   International Drumhead Ceremony for maritime veterans on Southsea Common
30 June �?3 July:  International Festival of the Sea in HMNB Portsmouth

With over half a million people expected to visit Portsmouth over the 6 days, plus extensive coverage in the national and international media, the Trafalgar 200 programme will help to increase public awareness of, and support for the Navy.  There is a strong youth element to the Trafalgar 200 events: with sea cadets, schoolchildren, families, disabled children and young carers involved on ships at the International Fleet Review.  Children are also linking with veterans on projects for the Drumhead Ceremony and performing in costume or in choirs at the Festival of the Sea.

The Autumn commemoration events willl commence with wreaths being laid off Cape Trafalgar, and at Nelson’s tomb in the Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral on 21st October 2005, the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson.  As is customary, a service will also be held onboard HMS VICTORY in Portsmouth, followed in the evening by a special VIP dinner.

The Royal Navy’s Trafalgar 200 programme forms part of The Trafalgar Festival which is at the heart of the SeaBritain 2005 initiative sponsored by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.  SeaBritain 2005 aims to raise the profile of the United Kingdom’s maritime interests

Related Links:

• Trafalgar 200
• Royal Navy
• Sea Britain 2005
• International Festival of the Sea
• Royal Navy: T200 news