A MAJOR civic celebration event to commemorate four significant events in Fareham's history is being mooted for next year.

The council wants to mark the opening of the £30m Market Quay development, the 25th anniversary of HMS Collingwood receiving the freedom of the borough, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The high-profile event, due to take place in mid-April, would include a variety of activities within Market Quay.

HMS Collingwood looks likely to supply a gun crew and traditional uniform and equipment from the time of Trafalgar.

An ironwork sculpture is also to be commissioned a permanent reminder of the event. 'Trafalgar 200' would be built within the Market Quay development.

The event would focus on starting a fundraising drive for a yet-to-be-decided good cause.

Civic leader Sean Woodward said: "It should be quite something. We wanted to do something suitable as a commemoration of these four things and we're looking to make this a significant event."

HMS Collingwood in Newgate Lane has long-established links with Fareham and is one of the town's major employers.

Fareham also has a number of links with Trafalgar. Lord Collingwood took over command of the British fleet when Lord Nelson was mortally wounded, many officers who served at the battle lived in the town and many of the small ships that served the fleet were built at Fareham Quay.

Details of the planned event will be discussed by members of Fareham's executive committee on Monday.