The ‘Battle of Britain Weekend’ on 10th-11th September will be commemorating the Battle of Britain, considered the most important event in Royal Air Force history, with a free weekend of events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. A major highlight will be a flypast on Saturday 10th September from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire scheduled for 2.25pm (weather permitting).
Other activities taking place during the course of this weekend include: real life working Merlin & Griffon engine demonstrations; a chance to see how a WWII Ops Room operated; a Question and Answer session with Battle of Britain veterans; the chance to sit inside a replica Spitfire, complete with flying jacket and goggles; ‘Step Back In Time’ classroom workshop and a selection of animals from Hoo Farm; plus re-enactment groups, children activities and a display of military vehicles. This event and will run from 10am to 4pm both days.
On Saturday 17th September the Museum will be opening up its doors to visitors for a special evening event. During ‘Open Cockpits Evening’, a selection of historic aircraft and cockpits will be available for close viewing for a limited number of visitors, allowing rare inside access to some of the World’s most historic and iconic aircraft on display at the Museum.
Members of the public will have the chance to see inside a number of cockpits including; the MH-53 Combat Search and Rescue helicopter; the Jaguar ACT Demonstrator ground attack aircraft; a Gnat T1 as previously used by the world famous Red Arrows team and the chance to examine how pilots operated the unique Meteor F8 Prone Position, whilst flying lying down. The event will run from 6.00pm to 8.30pm with a total of 14 aircraft available for close viewing on the night. Numbers for this event are limited and admission is by advance ticket only. Tickets costs £10.00 per person and are on sale now at the Museum.
For further information on the ‘Battle of Britain Weekend’ event or the ‘Open Cockpit Evening’ please contact the Museum on 01902 376200. Visit www.rafmuseum.org for information on the Museum and other events.