Royal Navy events in 2005

In 2005, Britain’s Royal Navy will mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, which saw the death of the naval hero Admiral Lord Nelson in his hour of victory.

The program will open on June 28 with a Fleet Review at Spithead in the Solent (Portsmouth) as the start to six days of events by the sea. Naval and merchant vessels from 30 nations will attend, with a son et lumière on a Napoleonic sea battle theme.

A Drumhead Ceremony on June 29 will honor maritime veterans and mark the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII.

An International Festival of the Sea will be held in Portsmouth Naval Base, June 30-July 3. Visitors will be able to go aboard tall ships and warships from the Fleet Review and enjoy armed forces displays plus live music.

In October, the Royal Navy will focus on Nelson, with a special dinner on his flagship HMS Victory (which is open to the public in Portsmouth at other times), a service in London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral and an event in Trafalgar Square, where the admiral sits atop the 145-foot-high Nelson’s Column.

Visit www.trafalgar200.com. . . or call Visitbritain at 800/462-2748.

All this is part of SeaBritain 2005, a year-long schedule of events, exhibitions and festivals celebrating Britain’s relationship with all things maritime. Visit www.seabritain2005.com.