Armed Forces Weekend
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th June 2013 – 10.00am – 4.30pm
At Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be celebrating Armed Forces Weekend with a series of FREE events hosted by the Royal Navy, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Actions Stations.
Plus! The opportunity to go aboard two of the Navy’s famous warships: HMS Defender and HMS Westminster!
Royal Navy Ships – Open to Visitors Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th June, 10am – 4.00pm FREE
This year’s opening is sponsored by Aramark, iss and IMS (Industrial Maintenance Services). Their support gives visitors a rare opportunity to meet the crew and explore a Type 45 destroyer and Type 23 frigate.
HMS Defender is one of the Royal Navy’s youngest ships, having only been commissioned into the Fleet in March this year.
The fifth of six destroyers, she belongs to an elite group of the most advanced warships the nation has ever built.
She’s designed to accommodate helicopters on her huge flight deck, and shield the Fleet from air attacks using the Sea Viper missile, which can hit targets from up to 70 miles away. Highly versatile, Defender is equally capable conducting other operations, including counter piracy and anti-smuggling, disaster relief and surveillance. When not open to visitors, the ship is underway with extensive sea trials and training in order to undertake her operational duties anywhere in the world.
All the Type 45s will be based in Portsmouth and will serve until around 2040.
HMS Westminster was launched in 1992 and represents the core of the Navy’s front-line Fleet. The Type 23 frigate, equipped with the world’s finest sonar, was designed as a submarine hunter. They’ve proven their versatility by dealing with virtually every mission imaginable across the globe. They can typically be found east of Suez safeguarding Britain’s maritime trade routes, or in the South Atlantic.
In addition to being a world class ship, HMS Westminster was used for the interior shots in the 1997 James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies.
Armed Forces Weekend gives visitors the chance to learn more about the role of Naval Base within the community, and support service men and women across Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Naval Base Commander, Commodore Jeremy Rigby said: “I am delighted to give visitors the chance to visit HMS Defender and HMS Westminster to coincide with Armed Forces Day. The future for Portsmouth naval base is assured and really exciting, and we couldn’t do what we do without the enthusiasm of our local community and supporters of the Armed Forces.”
Last entry to the ships is at 3pm. Please note ships opening are subject to operational commitments and may be withdrawn at any time. Access for wheelchairs and pushchairs may be limited. All bags may be liable to a search on entry.
Armed Forces Day Celebration Saturday 29th June, 11.30am – 4.30pm FREE
The National Museum of the Royal Navy will be keeping tradition strong, celebrating the British Armed Forces throughout the years. You’ll be transported all the way from Tudor Times to the present day, witnessing how clothing, navigation and weapons used by the Royal Navy have changed.
With HMS Victory providing the spectacular backdrop, the arena alongside will be transformed. Setting the scene will be a variety of military vehicles and people dressed in 1940s style. Visitors can taste eggless fruitcake; a rationing favourite – whilst the glamorous Miss Marie and The Dynamic Duo take you on a musical journey from the 40s to the present day. Children’s Historical Interpreter ‘Abs’ will be
Getting everyone involved with interactive war re-enactments. Plus, there’s the chance to fire a field gun, take part in Tudor games and children can make their own bunting and edible medals!
Most importantly there will be a chance speak to the veterans, hear their stories and reminisce about days gone by. Museum curators will also be on hand to help visitors discover more about the history of the Royal Navy.
A Weekend of Celebrations
As part of the weekend’s special events to celebrate, honour and support our Armed Forces, Action Stations at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will host activities across two days.
With so much to see and do – why not purchase a ticket to visit the historic ships and attractions and make a day of it?
Fire Fighting Demonstrations
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th from 10.30am FREE
See the Royal Navy in action for LIVE fire fighting demonstrations at the Mast Pond in front of Action Stations.
Challenge the Navy
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th from 10.30am – Tickets for Action Stations / Laser Quest required
Challenge the Navy on the climbing wall, take on the Marines in Laser Quest, tie yourself up in knots and meet serving members of the Armed Forces.
Gills and Gulls
Sunday 30th June 11.30am – 3pm FREE
Enjoy playful, visual and comic performances by Tinder Theatre, a co-commission between New Theatre Royal and Portsmouth Festivities. Meet a shoal of fish, The Gills, as they try to escape the net of the fisherman and get close to The Gulls – though be careful they can get Peckish!
This will be a fun afternoon for all the family and a chance for visitors to show their support for the contribution made by all veterans. It is hoped that veterans, their families, serving personnel and visitors will join us to mark Armed Forces Weekend 2013 in great style.
For full details of the extensive year-round events programme at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or for ticketing details to visit the attractions visit: www.historicdockyard.co.uk
For further press information please contact: Holly Westwood, Press Officer –
Tel: 023 9289 4558 or Email: holly.westwood@historicdockyard.co.uk