The man himself. © Institution of Civil Engineers.

Plans for a year of celebration to mark the 200th anniversary of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s birth have been revealed by the Bristol Cultural Development Partnership (BCDP).

Under the banner of Brunel 200, a series of exhibitions, events, educational initiatives, arts projects and, frankly, parties will be held in the city and beyond throughout 2006.

"Brunel was one of the most versatile, audacious and inspirational engineers of the 19th century whose astounding feats changed the world and continue to shape the way we live today," explained Andrew Kelly, Director BCDP and Brunel 200.

Clifton Suspension Bridge - one of Bristol's most recognisable landmarks. © Destination Bristol.

The man behind Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Great Western Railway and the world’s first iron-hulled, screw propeller-driven steam passenger liner, Brunel (1806-1859) has become perhaps the best known of the great generation of engineers that built modern Britain.

With his trademark tall hat, cigar and steely focus, contemporary photographs show him as the embodiment of the determination and self-confidence of the Victorian age.

"Brunel captured the public imagination like no other engineer and he remains an inspiration today to the people of Britain and to innovators of all kinds around the world," added Chairman of Brunel 200, Leslie Perrin. "Brunel 200 will ensure that Brunel's achievements and continuing influence are celebrated throughout 2006 and beyond."

A partnership initiative, Brunel 200 involves an extensive body of companies and organisations including Arts Council England South West, Business West, Culture South West, local authorities, heritage sites, schools and universities, not to mention Brunel enthusiasts.

The bridge under construction - Brunel died five years before it was completed, but his design was faithfully followed by other engineers. © Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust.

With a £2 million budget, the programme will centre on the physical legacy Brunel left to Bristol including the Great Western Railway, Clifton Suspension Bridge and the ss Great Britain.

There will be major exhibitions at the City Museum and Art Gallery, At-Bristol and ss Great Britain itself. Themes will include the art of the industrial age, the science and engineering behind Brunel's work as well as his life story.

A massive education programme is also being designed to ensure every school child in Bristol will be able to learn about the great man, whilst schools will be invited to enter a competition to again design Clifton Suspension Bridge (the original having been won by Mr B in 1831).

The organisers also hope to encourage more people, especially women, to consider a career in engineering.

Brunel's Great Western Railway Bristol terminus, now the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum. © British Empire and Commonwealth Museum.

And of course, there’ll be parties: a procession will take place over Brunel’s birthday weekend (April 8-9 2006), culminating in the switching on of a new lighting scheme on his famous bridge across the Avon. There will also be a charity ball and a recreation of the royal dinner of 1843, which launched the ss Great Britain.

"Brunel’s disease was that he couldn’t help himself, always wanting to find a different and better way," explained James Dyson, engineer, inventor and supporter of Brunel 200.

"So, he introduced screw propellers, double skinned hulls, wide-gauge railways and the tennis racquet beam Tamar Bridge. His disease is our heritage and a shining example to design and technology students and we should learn from his bravery and boldness if we are to be successful in our technological age."

A specially created graphic biography of the great man has been produced for the occasion and will be distributed free of charge to readers aged 11 and upwards. Written by Eugene Byrne, illustrated by Simon Gurr.

In addition 2006 will see the culmination of some £15 million worth of investment in the Bristol Brunel sites.

Clifton Suspension Bridge will have a new visitor centre, major works are seeing the ss Great Britain restored, reinterpreted and made more accessible to visitors and a significant part of the Brunel archive at the University of Bristol is being digitised.

Major funding support for Brunel 200 is also being provided by The Urban Cultural Programme (Arts Council of England and Millennium Commission) and includes an earmarked grant of £980,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A wider celebration of the engineer's life and work is also being developed under the Brunel 200 South West initiative.

For more information visit the Brunel 200 website.