2005 will see a nationwide celebration of Britain’s relationship with the sea, inspired by the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, with events taking place all over the country.

SeaBritain 2005 is a diverse programme of exciting events and festivals celebrating our maritime heritage and the many ways in which the sea touches all of our lives. At its heart will be the Trafalgar Festival, a series of events with a Nelson theme, marking the bicentenary of Admiral Lord Nelson’s death, culminating in the Trafalgar Weekend 12-23 October 2005.

The SeaBritain 2005 website at www.seabritain2005.com has a rapidly growing event planner listing all confirmed events for 2005. Highlights include the International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth, the Liverpool Great River Race, Tall Ships in Newcastle, Falmouth Oyster Festival, Royal Navy International Fleet Review, Whitehaven Maritime Festival, Portrush Festival of the Sea in Northern Ireland, Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy, Anglesey Oyster Festival & Marathon and Nelson & Napoléon exhibition at Greenwich.

Among the many organisations operating SeaBritain 2005 and staging events are the National Maritime Museum, VisitBritain, National Trust, Royal Yachting Association, British Marine Federation, SeaVision UK, Trinity House and a large number of other national and local organisations, with the support of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Ports and cities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will host beach competitions, seafood festivals, water-sports activities, village festivals, parades, arts and music events, and even an underwater cycle race, all taking the sea as their inspiration.

Visit www.seabritain2005.com for more details and to learn about events near you.