The Royal Navy has announced that it plans to hold an International Fleet Review next summer, to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson.

The Navy review will form a pivotal part of next year’s SeaBritain2005 campaign, which will see a number of ports and cities across the UK host events to celebrate the famous naval victory.

Among the other flagship events of the year are the Tall Ships in Newcastle, Liverpool’s Mersey River Festival and the Whitehaven Maritime Festival.

David Quarmby, SeaBritain 2005 chair, said: “We are hugely excited at the Navy’s involvement in next year’s Trafalgar bicentenary and the wider celebration of the sea in 2005.

“Their planned fleet review would be the biggest of its kind in the UK for years and their programme of supporting events will be the centrepiece of the SeaBritain 2005 schedule.”

SeaBritain2005 will see a year-long celebration of Britain’s relationship with the sea.

The campaign is a joint partnership, led by the National Maritime Museum and VisitBritain. Other partners in the campaign include the National Trust, Trinity House, SeaVision UK and the Chamber of Shipping. Details: www.seabritain2005.com