Celebrations and Anniversaries
2008 heralds an exciting year for England's South East. From the birth of Bond creator Ian Fleming to 60 years of the Farnborough International Airshow there are many occasions to celebrate. Here are just some of the events to look out for.
Chichester Cathedral
In 2008 the magnificent Chichester Cathedral celebrates 900 years since its consecration. Throughout the year, visitors will be able to join in with the festivities with a series of events reflecting upon what scared spaces mean to the wider community.
The Cathedral will also use 2008 to remember the famous Bishop George Bell, 1883-1958 who died 50 years ago. Bell is remembered for his dedication to achieving unity amongst those separated by war and religion and is considered to be 'a champion of the oppressed'.
These two anniversaries combined will make for a truly unique year for Chichester. Take a look at the fantastic events calendar to find out more about the talks, exhibitions, films and festivals planned and see how you can get involved.
Find out more about Chichester's celebrations
Portsmouth
Meet the Navy
Portsmouth will this year be celebrating its prestigious Naval links with 'Meet Your Navy' an event which will showcase both the best of modern serving warships and historic vessels. Held at the city's Historic Dockyard between 25-27 July, the event's programme includes Royal Navy displays, a Royal Marines band and living history re-enactments of the dockyards past. Entrance price will include access to the dockyard itself so visitors will also be able to tour the three historic vessels currently residing there.
Find out more about Meet the Navy Days
Royal Marines Museum Anniversary Year
In 2008 the Royal Marines Museum will be marking their 50th anniversary with an open air concert. Taking place in July, the concert will see the Band of HM Royal Marines deliver a specially prepared programme of 1950s inspired music, followed by a ceremony of Beating Retreat. A perfect occasion for a picnic, you will be able to sit back, relax and soak up the sounds.
Find out more about the Royal Marines Museum
James Bond
Ian Fleming, the much loved author of James Bond and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, would have turned 100 on 28th May 2008. To celebrate his life and much loved characters, the South East will be organising special events and activities throughout the year, below are just a few examples
Bletchley Park
Join in with centenary celebrations at the code cracking base of Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes. It is here that Lieutenant commander Ian Fleming, as he was then known, first began his love affair with the world of espionage, masterminding 'Operation Ruthless', a bid to crack the German Naval Enigma. There are a number of events planned throughout 2008 including James Bond Day on 25th August which will see a parachute display by the falling rocks and the largest collection of Aston Martins that Bletchley has ever seen.
Find out more about Bletchley Park's Bond connections
Kent
Two famous 007 car scenes have taken place on the journey from London to East Kent, the first turned up in Moonraker, the second in Goldfinger. You can now retrace the roots stopping along the way to examine some of the other connections Ian Fleming shared with the county.
Find out more about Kent's Bond connections
Beaulieu 
One of the most loved features of the James Bond movies is of course the vehicles and at Beaulieu, the National Motor Museum, there is an entire exhibition dedicated to some of the most glamorous. See the Lotus Submarine Car from The Spy Who Loved Me and Jaguar XKR Roadster which was used in Die Another Day as well as the World's first ever Jet Ski.
Find out more about Beaulieu's Bond connections
Southampton Boat Show 40th anniversary
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2008, the internationally renowned Southampton Boat Show received record numbers last year. The event highlights all that is new in the boating world and engages visitors with a mix of demonstrations and hands on activities. Have a go at diving or watch one of the search and rescue demonstrations, there is plenty to choose from.
Find out more about Southampton Boat Show
Farnborough international Airshow 60th anniversary
The Farnborough International Airshow will be celebrating its 60th year in 2008. Held at the Farnborough Aerodrome, which has long standing aviation links, it offers electrifying daily flying displays which showcase some of the most advanced aircraft from the military and commercial sectors.
Find out more about Farnborough International Airshow