More than 40 organisations have submitted proposals for events and projects to celebrate Bermuda's 400th anniversary next year.

Conchita Ming, chairman of the Bermuda 2009 Steering Committee, has revealed new details of the plans — including the possibility of a royal visit.

Ms Ming said she anticipates the year-long event, entitled Celebrating Bermuda and Her People, "will make a permanent and fundamental impact on our national consciousness and on how Bermuda is perceived worldwide".

Giving an update on progress so far, she explained: "Over 40 groups and organisations have submitted proposals for events and projects and more are coming in daily. Virtually every organisation of note in Bermuda is planning to participate, either through original programming or the enhancement of existing events.

"Commencing in January with a spectacular kick-off, there will be Broadway-calibre theatrical productions, original films, historic pageants, educational and environmental initiatives, a visit by the Tall Ships in June under the auspices of the Bermuda Sail Training Association, a Military Tattoo in November organised by the Bermuda Regiment, as well as dozens of other events all culminating in the most exciting December Bermuda will ever see."

A website, www.bermuda2009.bm, will soon be launched to detail the calendar of events along with information about Bermuda's history, architecture, customs and traditions.

Among the commemorative projects underway are a book of 400 biographical sketches of Bermudians from 1609 to 2009 and a "walkway of history" starting in the City of Hamilton.

Special stamps and a coin will be issued and there will be nine exhibits by the Bermuda Maritime Museum including a mural of the history of Bermuda by Graham Foster.

Ms Ming further revealed: "We are anticipating that there will be a royal visit during the year. We will announce this in due course. There will be a visit of two Royal Navy ships in 2009 — the RFA Fort George on May 24 to coincide with the Bermuda Day celebrations and the RFA Largs Bay which will coincide with the Tall Ships' visit."