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.
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.
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.
Why? Because it’s only right that such an awe-inspiring example of strength, achievement, progress, and success be affiliated with our kindred city.
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.
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.
Exporting to the USA - a celebration of the UK/USA special relationship.
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.
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Join Invest Bristol & Bath to learn more about the opportunities across the West of England.
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.
Book tickets
Rediscovering and connecting with the US Visitor.
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.
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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.
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 11to 13 years old. Some activities will be practical, while others will be theoretical or experiential. All visits must be booked through an invitation by the Royal Navy
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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.
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 11to 13 years old. Some activities will be practical, while others will be theoretical or experiential. All visits must be booked through an invitation by the Royal Navy
Book tickets
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.
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 11to 13 years old. Some activities will be practical, while others will be theoretical or experiential. All visits must be booked through an invitation by the Royal Navy
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets
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.
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 11to 13 years old. Some activities will be practical, while others will be theoretical or experiential. All visits must be booked through an invitation by the Royal Navy
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets
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 welcome@lordltbristol.org.uk
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.
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets
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.
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.
Book tickets