Spectacular that (From Penarth Times)

Spectacular that

PENARTHIANS were treated to a military spectacular at the weekend with displays by the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force in and around Cardiff Bay and the Esplanade.

Highlights included helicopter aerobatics, a replica of Nelson's signal boat, and a fly-past by a Battle of Britain Spitfire and Lancaster bomber.

A Lancaster flanked by a Spitfire and a Hurricane performed a spectacular display just 100 meters above the Barrage and Penarth Esplanade.

The display also featured a fly-over by a Tornado jet.

The event was part of the Sea Britain Festival, marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

On the barrage, the displays and activities included static parachute jumps, climbing walls, a submarine simulator and a range of Army tanks and historic military vehicles.

HMS Pickle, an Anglesey-based replica of the vessel which carried Nelson's battle orders to the fleet, was among the many boats filling up the dock front.

The schooner was also the vessel which brought back to Britain the news that Nelson had won the battle but lost his life.

Ten racing yachts were also moored at Mermaid Quay.

A range of Army and RAF displays were held between the bay and the barrage and on Roald Dahl Plas in front of the Wales Millennium Centre.

The replacement Sir Galahad was moored in Roath Basin, close to the Goleulong 2000 Lightship.