Celebrating 80 years of peace through partnership

On 14 August 1941, US President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and British Prime Minster, Winston Churchill, met aboard HMS Prince of Wales. In doing so, they marked a pivotal moment in 20th century history.

our events
Credit : British Newspaper Archive/Reach plc.
Credit : British Newspaper Archive/Reach plc.
Credit : US Naval Historical Centre

The Atlantic Charter Declaration
A cross-Atlantic partnership for a better future

Join us in marking the 80th anniversary of the Atlantic Charter Declaration

The Atlantic Charter declared Britain’s and the USA’s unified ambitions for a post-war world ‘free of fear of want’, based on self-determination and democracy, and the ‘freedom of the seas’. It changed the course of history and gave renewed hope for generations to come.
 
It marked the beginning of peace through partnership. 

 In 2021, Bristol is proud to be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Atlantic Charter Declaration, reflecting on the huge progress that’s been made since then and looking to the future with renewed hope.

A shared past and future Bristol and the Royal Navy

For more than four centuries, the Royal Navy has played a crucial role in protecting the United Kingdom. And as an island nation, we still rely on that protection today: to maintain our safety, to deter enemy forces and to protect our people.

The Royal Navy is an organisation that protects, defends, builds, supports and stabilises in so many different ways.

Become a friend

We’re delighted and honoured to confirm that Bristol, with its close ties to the fifth-generation aircraft carrier HMS PRINCE OF WALES, will play host to the commemoration of this important anniversary. It’s also an opportunity to honour her predecessor, the battleship HMS PRINCE OF WALES and her crew, and acclaim our Royal Navy as it continues to evolve on, below and above the seas, in space and, in cyberspace.

As both a reflection on the bravery of the past, and a festival of hope for the future, the anniversary is a celebration for the ages. And something that every Bristolian – whatever your age, background, political persuasion or lifestyle – can feel part of.

Become a friend

A partnership for good

HMS Prince of Wales is affiliated with the city of Bristol.

Why? Because it’s only right that such an awe-inspiring example of strength, achievement, progress, and success be affiliated with our kindred city.

What’s happening in Bristol

From Friday 16th to Sunday 18th July 2021, we’ll be hosting celebrations, services, displays and musical performances in the Centre of Bristol. We’ll be joined by senior naval dignitaries along with special support from the US Navy, representatives from the UK and US Governments and local civic leaders, in a festival to appeal to people of all ages.

We are grateful for the support of the Port of Bristol, the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol for the arts and cultural events.

Arrangements for the weekend will be Covid compliant with rules in place at the time.  Hence the structure and capacity of events set out below are subject to change. 

P2000 arrives and berths - Brunel Square, SS Great Britain
Minesweeper arrives and berths - MShed apron
Fri
16ᵗʰ July
STEM Education visits
Minesweeper arrives and berths - MShed apron
13:00
Laying up of White Ensign - Bristol Cathedral
15:30
Dean of Bristol’s reception - Bristol Cathedral
16:30
Royal Marine Band performance - College Green
17:30
Sunset Retreat - College Green
18:15
Dinner - City Hall
13:00
SAT
17ᵗʰ July
STEM Education visits Minesweeper or P2000
Royal Navy reception - Minesweeper or P2000
13:00
Performance of peace poems - Brunel Square, SS Great Britain
16:00
Corps of Drums - Brunel Square, SS Great Britain
18:00
Sun
18ᵗʰ July

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Atlantic Charter, WECA, Invest Bristol & Bath, Business West, DIT, Visit West, CBI and Guild of Guardians have come together to celebrate the strong relationship between the US, Bristol & Bath, the West of England and wider South West.

Themes of inward investment, international trade and tourism will be explored in a series of virtual roundtables and panel sessions, to highlight the US export opportunities to SMEs, showcase the existing business cluster, highlight recent investments into the region, and to develop new relationships, attracting further investment and bilateral trade.

Business West / DIT Trade event - Online Event
Thursday 10th June

Exporting to the USA - a celebration of the UK/USA special relationship.

10:00
WECA / IBB Inward Investment event - Online Event
Thursday 10th June

Join Invest Bristol & Bath to learn more about the opportunities across the West of England.

18:00
Visit West Tourism event - Online Event
Friday 11th June

Rediscovering and connecting with the US Visitor.  

16:00
P2000 arrives and docks - SS Great Britain

The P2000 training and patrol vessel is commonly used by University Royal Navy Training Units or maritime force protection vessels in active service. Many people experience their first taste of life at sea in these vessels. Limited spaces are available to visit the patrol and meet the Ship’s Crew.

Mine Counter-Measures Vessel arrives and docks - near MShed apron

The mine counter-measures vessels traditionally seek out and destroy unexploded mines, ensuring the safe transit of international trade.  Using high definition sonar to search the world’s seabeds, the Ship’s Crew of 19 highly trained sailors ensure the global flow of shipping.  Limited spaces are available to visit the minesweeper and meet the Ship’s Crew.

School Education Visits to Royal Naval Vessels - Minesweeper or P2000

The Royal Navy will welcome aboard school parties as part of their science, technology, engineering and maths programme targeted at pupils in Year 6, aged between 11 and 13 years old. Some activities will be practical, while others will be theoretical or experiential. All visits must be booked thorough an invitation by the Royal Navy.

First Sea Lord’s and Commanding Officer, HMS PRINCE OF WALES’ reception - Minesweeper or P2000

By kind invitation of the First Sea Lord and the Commanding Officer of HMS PRINCE OF WALES, affiliated with the City of Bristol, guests will attend a lunchtime reception on board one of the Royal Navy’s vessels.

13:00
Laying up of White Ensign - Bristol Cathedral

The White Ensign flown on HMS PRINCE OF WALES during its sea trials was blessed at Bristol Cathedral and flown again on the Ship. She’s now being returned to the City to be raised on a flagpole and made visible to all who visit the Nave. The White Ensign will be marched into the Cathedral during a Christian Evensong service at which members of the Armed Forces, and people of all faiths and none, are invited to register to attend.

15:30
Dean of Bristol’s Reception - Bristol Cathedral

Following Evensong, the Dean of Bristol Cathedral, Dr Amanda Ford, will invite the congregation to enjoy light refreshments and conversation, providing a great opportunity to welcome Royal Navy and other Armed Forces visiting the City.

For guests attending Evensong
16:30
Performance of Royal Marines Band  - Location to be announced

Regarded as one of the World’s most versatile military musical organisations, the Royal Marine’s Band will perform a number of well-known and lesser recognised music from its large repertoire. This will be a rare, not to be missed occasion.

17:30
Sunset Retreat - Location to be announced

A Corps of Drums will perform a number of rhythms, accompanied by the coordinated strokes onto the drum. The Retreat marks the end of the day and the First Sea Lord will take the salute.

18:15
Dinner - City Hall

The First Sea Lord will be the keynote speaker at a dinner held at Bristol City Hall. A limited number of tickets are available. The cost of seats at the Dinner are £75.00 each or £750 for a table of 10 (which includes a host from the Royal Navy).  Further information on payment details to follow.

18:45
School Education Visits to Royal Naval Vessels - Minesweeper or P2000

The Royal Navy will welcome aboard school parties as part of their science, technology, engineering and maths programme targeted at pupils in Year 6, aged between 11 and 13 years old.  Some activities will be practical, while others will be theoretical or experiential.  All visits must be booked thorough an invitation by the Royal Navy.

Royal Navy Reception - Minesweeper or P2000

By kind invitation of the First Sea Lord and the Commanding Officer of HMS PRINCE OF WALES, affiliated with the City of Bristol, guests will attend a lunchtime reception onboard one of the Royal Navy’s vessels.

13:00
Performance of Peace Poems - Brunel Square, SS Great Britain

Poetry written on the theme of peace by a number of contributors, such as the City’s Poet Laureate, will be read at Brunel Square. If you wish to submit a poem to be performed, please contact Mrs Peaches Golding OBE at

16:00
Corps of Drums - Brunel Square, SS Great Britain

A Corps of Drums will perform a number of rhythms, accompanied by the coordinated strokes onto the drum.  The Retreat marks the end of the day.

18:00
Formal Reception - SS Great Britain

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States will be the keynote speaker at a formal reception on the SS Great Britain. A limited number of tickets will be available, further information to follow.

18:45
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