Happy Trafalgar Day 2017! What date was the Battle of Trafalgar and where are the parades being held held?
Hundreds of people from the Royal Navy and Sea Cadets will be remembering our victory at the Battle of Trafalgar this weekend...
THE Royal Navy defeated Spain and France at the legendary Battle of Trafalgar - which is still remembered over 200 years later.
The armed forces and members of the public still come together to celebrate the historic victory each year. Here's all the info you need...
When is Trafalgar Day 2017?
Trafalgar Day takes place every year on today's date, October 21.
Celebrations are held across the country, most notably on warship HMS Victory and in London's Trafalgar Square.
HMS Victory was Lord Horatio Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar. It's docked in Portsmouth.
The ship's ceremony takes place on the day itself - while London's parade is on the closest Sunday, i.e. October 22 this year.
When was the Battle of Trafalgar?
The Battle of Trafalgar took place on October 21, 1805.
It was our Navy's most famous victory - and confirmed our reign on the seas.
The date also marks Lord Nelson's death, as he was fatally injured in the battle.
He's regarded as the greatest officer in the history of the Royal Navy.
Where is the Trafalgar Day parade?
The main Trafalgar Day parade takes place in central London on Sunday - between 10.30am and 1pm. It's free to attend.
The parade passes from Horse Guards Parade, in Westminster, past Buckingham Palace and down The Mall - before arriving in Trafalgar Square.
Some 400 Sea Cadets from the UK, aged 10-18, will march on behalf of the Royal Navy - a tradition which spans more than a century.
Expect to see the first of the cadets pass Admiralty Arch at 10.45am.
What's happening in Trafalgar Square?
- 11.15am: London Area Junior Sea Cadets flag display
- 11.25am: Physical Training display
- 11.40am: Performance from Massed Bands of the Sea Cadet Corps
- 11.50am: Arrival of Escort to the Colour
- Midday: Parade inspection, wreath-laying ceremony, playing of The Last Post, and service conducted by Sea Cadet Corps chaplain, Reverend Graham Hitchins.
