HERE COMES THE BIGGEST NAVY SHOW SINCE TRAFALGAR 200
News release issued: 14th February 2008The Royal Navy is this summer putting on the biggest show for the nation since the Trafalgar 2005 celebrations three years ago.
Entitled Meet Your Navy, the three-day event at Portsmouth Naval Base on July 25-27 is a new concept in providing families with an unforgettable opportunity to tour up to 20 naval ships, witness exciting arena events and air displays and rub shoulders with the men and women of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and other members of Britain’s Armed Forces.
The extravaganza afloat and ashore goes beyond what was once known as Navy Days. More than ever before it will give show-comers the exciting opportunity to truly meet and talk to the people who man the ships and look after them, who fill the ranks of the Royal Marines Commandos, who compete in the daring gun-run competitions and who will play the music throughout the three days.
Meet Your Navy will also break new ground in the closeness of the partnership with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in the running of the event which will be open to the public at competitive ticket prices. The Historic Dockyard’s attractions HMS Victory, Mary Rose and HMS Warrior 1860 will be open along with the Royal Naval Museum and Action Stations at a heavily subsidised, competitive ticket price.
Assistance will also be provided in some areas by an event company – Richmond Event Management – REM – in the arrangement of such things as seating and display arrangements, trading and catering .
Royal Navy ships of all types, including the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, the event flagship, will welcome visitors of all ages. Ships from visiting navies will be present, and there will be flying displays each day as well as rapid roping demonstrations, band concerts including a Royal Marines band, diving displays, field-gun runs, re-enactors and many trade stalls.
Portsmouth Naval Base Commander Commodore David Steel said today: “The Naval Base and City have hosted many great naval events, and Meet Your Navy 2008 will be one.
“The Navy is busier that it has ever been. As we meet, we have ships, submarines, aircraft and Royal Marines deployed in every part of the world. A year ago over half the British combat forces on the ground in Afghanistan were from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, something that will be repeated in coming months.
“Meet Your Navy 2008 is designed to allow the British public to meet those people who make up the Royal Navy and to see their ships.”
Robert Bruce, Managing Director Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Ltd, said: "We are delighted to be working with the Royal Navy on what is our largest event this year. Everyday the historic ships and museums showcase the proud heritage of the Navy and this will be an opportunity to link closely with the ships and people of the present day Royal Navy, an event not to be missed. There is no where better to showcase the past, present and future than in Portsmouth, home of the Royal Navy."
More information about Meet Your Navy, including booking and ticket details, are available at www.meetyournavy.co.uk
