THE bicentennial of the battle of Trafalgar does not fall until October 21st. But a long season of festivities begins next week with a fleet review off Spithead involving 35 navies—including, gallantly, those of France and Spain. A battle re-enactment in the Solent will use ten tonnes of gunpowder. That’s about as much as one ship, HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship, used during the battle itself, but still enough for a most satisfying pop. Along the British coast, nearly every harbour will hold some sort of activity. Events are also planned at Toulon and Cadiz, principal naval bases of France and Spain, and at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where Horatio Nelson’s body was buried after the battle. for more click here
