IT WAS a momentous occasion. It happened 450 years ago and it united two countries.

Tying the knot is usually memorable, but it took on a whole new meaning when the bride was Mary Tudor and the groom Philip II of Spain.

Winchester Cathedral was the scene of the great wedding on July 25, 1554 and to mark the anniversary Winchester is taking a step back in time and turning Tudor.

Big celebrations are planned this year, but back in 1554 people weren't so happy because the marriage had strong religious and political implications - Mary was the daughter of Henry VIII, and Philip was the eldest son of King Charles of Spain. English people did not want to have a Spanish king.

However, today people are more upbeat and the cathedral will once again take centre stage, hosting a variety of activities.

An international exhibition of treasures from the wedding will be at the cathedral from June 29 to September 30.

Eminent historian and broadcaster Dr David Starkey will be giving a lecture on July 2, also at the cathedral.

Wedding dresses from the last century will be on display at the cathedral from August 1 to 31. The star attraction will be a replica of Mary Tudor's gown. As well as this, Winchester School of Art will be hosting an international conference about textile cultures on July 22 and 23.

Winchester's blue badge guides will be on hand on July 23 to 25. They will be giving guided walks to mark the wedding weekend. The tours will take visitors around the many sites that were connected with the wedding.

The historic event was a huge cost to the city and to make up for this Mary Tudor gave the City Mill to Winchester. The mill will also be marking the big occasion from July 24 to August 1 with Tudor music, food, re-enactments, talks and displays.

The wedding weekend, July 24 and 25, will be brought to life with two days of living history at Wolvesey Castle. Visitors will be able to meet the 'ordinary' people of Tudor Winchester and hear their views of the wedding.

Basingstoke played its part in the great celebration and on August 1 there will be a Tudor picnic at Basing House. This was where the couple stopped on their way to London after the wedding.

For further information contact Winchester Tourist Information Centre on 01962 840500, e-mail tourism@winchester.gov.uk or visit www.visitwinchester.co.uk.