Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) will be opening its gates to visitors on Saturday 8 July to give members of the public an opportunity to take a look around the world renowned College.
The College gates will be open from 11 am to 4 pm. Stalls and demonstrations will give visitors a taste of the training provided to Cadets from all over the world to prepare them for their role as Naval leaders.
Other attractions include river tours in the boats used to train Cadets in seamanship, an opportunity to visit BRNC’s state-of-the-art ship’s bridge simulator, a falconry display, military band performances and much more.
BRNC currently transforms around 400 civilians into military leaders each year.
The Open Day will give visitors the chance to meet the Officer Cadets and find out what day-to-day life is like for them, from the standards expected in the accommodation block to the fitness requirements and the different exercises they must pass to successfully complete the course.
Members of the public will be able to look around the building and learn about the history of the College and its Royal connections.
Naval training first came to Dartmouth in 1863 when HMS Britannia arrived in the River Dart as a cadet training ship.
The college was opened in 1905 and was designed by Sir Aston Webb, whose work also includes the principal façade of Buckingham Palace.
Numerous members of the Royal family have trained at the College and there are a number of royal artefacts amongst the Britannia museum collection. As Princess Elizabeth, Her Majesty The Queen first met His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at BRNC, just before the outbreak of World War 2.
Lieutenant Commander Gary Mills, BRNC First Lieutenant, said, “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the College for what promises to be a free fun day out for all the family.
“As well as giving members of the public the opportunity to find out about the training we provide and the role BRNC plays in preparing men and women for leadership roles at sea and ashore, we will also have displays and demonstrations from the wider Naval Service, including weapons and military kit used by the Royal Marines.
“A number of charities, outside organisations and local traders have been invited to join us to give the event a community feel.”
Admission to BRNC on the day is free. Food and refreshments will be available along with entertainment for children.
