Every year a set of dazzling new stamps hit the shelves to mark historic events, sporting moments and famous birthdays.

This year will be no different, with 2015 set to see a wide array of new designs, some marking pivotal moments in the nation’s history.

It’s 175 years since the Penny Black – the country’s first stamp – while this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Royal Mail commemorative range.

Here, we explore exactly what you’ll be able to attach to your parcels this year.

A journey to Wonderland

 

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It’s hard to believe, but Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice in Wonderland is now 150 years old – so it’s only fitting that there’s a stamp set to mark the occasion.

From the White Rabbit to the Cheshire Cat, all of our favourite characters are seen in all of their glory, including the Queen of Hearts that looks as evil as ever.

A year of historical importance

History is full of world-changing events but this year represents more than one of great importance.

Two hundred years on from the Duke of Wellington’s crushing victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, ever effort is being made to remember a fight that changed Europe.

The centenary of the battle was forgotten amid the fighting of the First World War, making the bicentenary a key point of remembrance in June.

 

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2015 also marks the 75th anniversary of one of the most pivotal battles in the Second World War – The Battle of Britain.

RAF pilots defied the odds to hold off the might of Germany’s Luftwaffe, leading Prime Minister Winston Churchill to later remark: “Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few”.

 

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The final anniversary to be marked in 2015 takes us back to the origins of the English way of life and the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 – a full 800 years ago.

The Charter issued by King John laid down the laws of the land and formed the basis for much legislation that is seen today.

The signing of the Magna Carta was a history-defining moment and one that will be marked at the start of June with a stamp in the 2015 collection.

Life and laughs

It’s not just history that is remembered by the stamp collections as icons from the world of art, comedy, theatre and sport have all previously featured.

This year is no different, with 2015 recalling some of the comedy greats that have lit up the world with their humour.

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The Two Ronnies get the stamp of approval in this year’s collection, being two of the most prominent faces of British comedy.

Buzzing about for summer

Love them or loathe them, the UK’s army of bees will also have a dedicated stamp collection in August to mark the summer months.

It means people can add a little additional ‘buzz’ to their parcels – not literally of course – when sending postcards!

 

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Bridging history

Some the country’s most famous landmarks will also be recognised in stamp form, with the nation’sbest bridges showcased in March.

The leaps in engineering will be highlighted, showing how far the nation has come from old stone crossings to some of the more symbolic landmarks of today.

 

Sporting success: Rugby comes home

The Rugby World Cup comes to British shores in September and it will come of little surprise to many that they’ll be a set of stamps to mark the occasion.

While the designs are yet to be revealed, it would seem very likely that a certain Jonny Wilkinson might make an appearance...

After all, he did do this:

 

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All of these moments, people, and architecture are set to be showcased in the months ahead and you may well see some of these designs next time you have a delivery...