The 200th anniversary of Nelson’s decisive victory at Trafalgar is to be marked by ‘a national commemoration even larger than in 1905.’

Standing in Trafalgar Square in London, with Nelson’s Column as the backdrop, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West unveiled the grand plan for the bicentenary of the battle which set the seal on the RN’s international reputation.

One highlight of the celebrations will be a Fleet Review and International Festival of the Sea (IFOS) in Portsmouth in June and July next year.

The June 28 Fleet Review, watched by the Queen, will be “a stirring start to six days by the sea”, according to Admiral West, and will culminate in the festival – last held in Portsmouth in 2001 when it drew 250,000 visitors.

Some 30 nations have said they want their ships to attend the review – including Britain’s foes at Trafalgar, Spain and France.

But that is the key to Trafalgar 200 – it is to be a celebration of the sea and international friendships, rather than triumphalism, according to the First Sea Lord.

“Our aim is not simply to look back but to raise our sights to future horizons,” Admiral West said.

“We will celebrate the importance of the sea in our lives and our international maritime friendships and links, and the importance of the Royal Navy in today’s world.”

On the evening of the Review the Royal Navy plays host to a Son et Lumiere, themed on a Napoleonic sea battle, featuring a firework display.

The following day will see a Drumhead Ceremony ashore on Southsea Common – a battlefield service in which drums in the shape of a pyramid form an altar and are draped in colours.

Invitations have been extended to more than 70 countries around the world to take part in IFOS, which is set for June 30 and July 3, and at present more than 20 tall ships are expected.

Remaining Trafalgar events will focus on October 21 with a dinner aboard Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory in Portsmouth, a service of commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral and a ‘party’ for young people in Trafalgar Square on October 23.

Trafalgar 200 is part of wider events next year generally celebrating Britain’s maritime links under the SeaBritain 2005 banner, putting across to the general public the fact that in a world seemingly dominated by air travel, the UK relies on the sea for 95 per cent of its trade.

“It’s all too easy to underestimate the importance of the sea. 2005 will be a national tribute celebrating our maritime community, raising awareness, stimulating tourism and leaving a legacy for the future in our children,” said Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram.

Nelson expert and Trafalgar 200 organiser Colin White said he hoped 2005 would see “a huge celebration on a jubilee scale”, with individual communities coming up with ideas to mark the anniversary in their own special way.

He added: “1905 was nothing compared to what is planned for 2005.

“This is not a case of a few big national events. The strength lies in lots of local events with a national identity.”