The Ultimate Warbirds and T-33 Shooting Star will join the world’s largest civilian jet display team, the Breitling Jets, in signalling the arrival of new displays to Eastbourne International Airshow this year, sponsored by Ginsters.

Featuring 55 flying displays at the free seafront show from 15 – 18 August, the new teams will join Airbourne favourites the Typhoon, Chinook, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Wingwalkers and The Blades in four days of awe-inspiring aerial action.

Also joining the line-up of brand new displays for Eastbourne, is the first appearance of a Sea Fury T-20, the Strikemaster as a pair display and the first visit of the Gazelle Squadron duo.

While the Breitling Jet Team travel over from French shores in their six L-39 Albatross jets to bring their first ever display to Sussex, flying the flag for Norway is the T-33 Shooting Star, which will perform alongside its former cold war ‘enemy’ the MiG-15.

For fans of historic fighters, the inaugural arrival of the Ultimate Warbirds will see a co-ordinated four-ship display of four of the most iconic fighters in history in an Eastbourne first, featuring the Spitfire, TF-51 Mustang, Hispano Buchon and P-47 Thunderbolt.

Eastbourne Borough Council Director of Tourism and Enterprise, Phil Evans said “This year sees one of our most varied displays with teams from France and Norway and plenty of new aircraft to enjoy, including the only south coast visit by the world renowned Breitling Jet Team. Our thanks go to Ginsters and our many other sponsors for their support in keeping Airbourne flying high!”

The new displays join other returning favourites including the Tutor, Mustang, Rich Goodwin Pitts Special, Fireflies, The Tigers Parachute Display Team and the Tucano, which flies back as part of a farewell tour after a five year hiatus from the airshow circuit.

On Sunday evening, the FireFlies look set to delight with a shimmering twilight performance using LED lights and wingtip pyrotechnics, co-ordinated for the first time to both music and aerial fireworks. A dazzling firework finale follows at the earlier time of 9.30pm, sponsored by Ginsters and supported by the Eastbourne Hospitality Association and Frontier Fireworks.

Airbourne returns from 15 – 18 August with a military exhibition and Virtual Reality zone, big wheel, helicopter pleasure flights, simulators, children’s entertainment, Bandstand concerts, film screenings and much more. Entry is free.

A very limited number of hospitality places and exclusive seating are available to book and the airshow programme with full flying times, hits stockists from 10 August, with pre-order available now.

Airbourne is proudly sponsored by Ginsters, Boundless by CSMA, Caffyns, More Radio, Eastbourne Motoring Centre, Euro Self Drive, Environment First, Gemini Print, Stagecoach, Stone Cross Garden Centre, The View Hotel, W. Bruford, Eastbourne Hospitality Association and Frontier Fireworks.

To donate online or to book hospitality, seating or trade space, visit www.eastbourneairshow.com

Calling all North Wales residents…the Royal Air Force Museum needs you!

The RAF Museum has teamed up with students at Bangor University in North Wales, on an exciting community project to capture the memories of residents who share connections to the RAF.

RAF history is imbedded in North Wales which is home to RAF Valley and the Museum wants to tap into this wealth of knowledge, experiences and personal recollections.

Over the last two years, the Museum has captured stories up and down the country with hundreds now available online for the public to view. By working together with the University, the Museum has expanded its reach, with a team of student’s ready to work throughout the summer capturing stories, whether that be about courage, love, tragedy, friendship, bravery, triumph, humour, happiness, sadness and everything in between. Together this catalogue of stories will expand and enrich our understanding of the RAF today.

Students have undergone interview and recording training with the Museum’s Community Engagement Officer and Digital Content Producer and will now spend the summer months interviewing and recording residents. All stories captured will then be uploaded to the RAF Stories website for audiences around the world to hear first-hand some of the inspirational and ground-breaking recollections from former RAF personnel and their families about their RAF journey.

Dr Teresa Crew, Employability Lead for the School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences at Bangor University said:
“It’s an honour to be involved with the RAF Museum on this interesting and worthwhile project. Our students are excited to be involved as the project will help them gain extra knowledge that they can apply to their course. It will help them develop transferable skills for employment and further education, but importantly they can be part of the RAF Museums drive to tell the stories of the men and women who served in the Royal Air Force.”

In 2018 the Museum worked with fifteen students from the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, who contributed over 200 hours of volunteer time, collecting memories from fifteen residents in the Leicestershire area. The Museum is hoping to have similar success in North Wales during its second project working with students.

RAF Stories is a global oral history project which digitalizes and makes accessible engaging, historical and contemporary stories of people’s personal connections to the RAF and the service’s influences on their lives.

RAF Museum Community Engagement Officer – RAF Stories, Jess Boydon said:
“We are looking for stories from anyone with a connection to the Royal Air Force. You could be a current serviceman or servicewoman, a veteran, an air cadet, have family links to the RAF or any other connection. You could share an hour with us, or a quick five-minute anecdote. All stories help to widen our understanding of what’s it like to be a part of or influenced by the RAF. We believe everyone has or knows someone with an RAF story and by working with students at the University we’re making it easier for more people to get involved with the project and we hope people will take up the opportunity.”

If you live in North Wales or beyond and would be happy to visit Bangor University to have your stories recorded please get in touch by email rafstories@rafmuseum.org or telephone 01902 376237.

Visitors to the RAF Museum Cosford can hear first-hand some of the remarkable stories collected to date. A new series of free talks sharing some of the widely diverse RAF Stories, will take place at the Museum, commencing on Saturday 3 August with guest speaker Candida Adkins, daughter of famous female Spitfire Pilot, Jackie Moggridge. Candida will be sharing stories about her mother who, after becoming the first woman to do a parachute jump in South Africa, travelled to England when the war broke out. She joined the Air Transport Auxiliary where she flew 72 different types of aircraft and was given the Kings Commendation for valuable services in the Air. She later joined the Women’s Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, got her Wings and went on to fly commercially, as an airline captain.

 The talk will commence at 2.00pm and is free to attend, lasting approximately one hour, including time for questions. As spaces are limited, visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseumorg/cosford to avoid disappointment.

For anyone who would like to contribute to the RAF Stories project, the new RAF Stories App is available to download for free, where you can discover and share the stories of others, or record and upload your own using your mobile device, keeping the story alive and relevant for generations to come. Visit www.rafstories.org for more details.

The RAF Stories project is proudly supported by National Lottery Players through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A memorable three-day Royal International Air Tattoo 2019 concluded with the traditional Sunday night prizegiving, during which trophies were presented to several of the show’s top displays.

The Paul Bowen Trophy for the best solo jet display — named in honour of the late Paul Bowen, co-founder of the Air Tattoo — went to Lt Col Yurii Bulavka, pilot of the Sukhoi Su-27P1M from the 831st Guards Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force. “I will say only one thing”, commented Bulavka. “Thank you for your attention, wonderful Air Tattoo. See you next time!”

The Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team of 10 Aermacchi AT-339A jet trainers, regulars at the Air Tattoo, scooped the RAFCTE Trophy, awarded to the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant. Team leader Maj Stefano Vit said, “It is really a great honour for me and for all the team, because it’s a special trophy. The Air Tattoo is the biggest airshow in Europe, and winning this trophy is a big reward. It’s nice to leave an occasion like this.”

Following a triumphant event, including flypasts with the British Overseas Airways Corporation-schemed Boeing 747-436 of British Airways as part of the BA100 events and the French Air Force’s Patrouille de France team as a salute to the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first flight, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, won the Steedman Display Sword for best display by a UK participant. Team manager Sqn Ldr Doug Smith commented, “This is absolutely fantastic. We adore coming to RIAT every year — it’s a tremendously well-run airshow — and to come away with the trophy for best display from the UK is stunning. To do the flypasts with the 747 in BOAC livery and the ‘double Concorde’ formation was really, really good.”

The evening’s double winner was Capt Arto Ukskoski, who flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet from Fighter Squadron 11 of the Finnish Air Force. He took home the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy for best individual flying demonstration and and the As The Crow Flies Trophy for best display as judged by the enthusiast members of Friends of RIAT. “I am quite surprised”, said Ukskoski, “because there are so many good aircraft and so many good pilots. It’s amazing, especially for the Finnish Air Force because we don’t do so many airshows internationally every year.”

One of the most regular performers at recent Air Tattoos, Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39C Gripen pilot Maj Peter Fallén from F 7 wing of the Swedish Air Force, received the King Hussein Memorial Sword for best overall flying demonstration. An emotional Fallén said, “This means so much to me. I’m almost in tears now, because RIAT has been a big part of my career as a display pilot. I’ve been flying here for six years, and it’s been the main event every year. I’m so grateful.”

The RIAT Chief Executive Trophy, presented by outgoing Air Tattoo CEO Andy Armstrong, went to the Spanish Navy’s EAV-8B Harrier II+ duo. Mr Armstrong referred particularly to the initiative shown by the squadron’s commanding officer following a brake fire suffered by one of the two aircraft on arrival, which led to repairs being affected and participation in the weekend displays.

Finally, the trophy for best livery was presented to the Eurofighter EF2000 operated by Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 71 ‘Richthofen’ of the German Air Force, stationed at Wittmund.

www.airtattoo.com

Now in its 12th year, the nationally award winning and internationally recognised Bournemouth Air Festival is set to host a diverse international air display programme this summer – in fact there will be more new displays then ever!

As well as vintage aircraft, two parachute teams, aerobatics displays, wingwalkers, night air pyrotechnics and fireworks – get ready for the noise as we welcome, alongside the RAF Typhoon, for the first time from Sweden the Saab Draken and Canadair T-33 Silver Star.

If one Air Festival first was not enough the Ultimate Warbird Flights will be showcasing their dog fighting skills over the Bournemouth skies in a collection of stunning aircraft – look out for a Hispano Buchon, Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire and Republic
P-47 Thunderbolt.

Regular favourites the brilliant Blades Aerobatic Display Team, Strikemaster, RAF Tucano, RAF Chinook, Royal Navy Wildcat, Tigers Parachute Display Team and, back by popular demand, Rich Goodwin’s stomach-turning Pitts Muscle Plane and the fantastic MiG15 will all be displaying during the four-day festival. Last seen in 2016 the full Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) line up, featuring the iconic Lancaster alongside Hurricane and Spitfire will be displaying on all four days.

The ever-popular Night Air dusk flying will be the best ever will feature the beautiful Fireflies, Red Devils Parachute Team and Brendan O’Brien will be piloting Otto the Helicopter. Even the Typhoon will be performing it rip roaring dusk show, to add to the excitement.

Of course the Festival is not just about the airshow. On land, between Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier there’s a host of country show trading sites, activation areas and military villages.
There is a new location for the RAF Village on the East Overcliff with the popular Royal Navy dive tank. On the seafront find out more about life in the military from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army as they invade the beach and take over with tanks, vehicles and a host of ‘have a go equipment’.

As evening falls, along with dusk flying, the Night Air programme will feature Royal Marines, impressing crowds from their new location in the Lower Gardens, with their unarmed combat display (don’t try this at home!) and the HM Royal Marine Band Portsmouth performing the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony. There will also be live music, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening and fireworks (Friday & Saturday only).

Out at sea there once again will be a naval contingency providing a nautical backdrop in the bay and anchorage tours will be available.

David Bailey Chairman of the Tourism Industry’s Destination Management Board for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole commented; “This is an important festival not only for Bournemouth but for the rest of the conurbation. This year it is estimated to generate in excess of £20million to local economy, as part of an annual tourism spend of over £1.2 billion”.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director, BCP Council said; “We can’t wait for the festival – we have worked really hard on the line-up for 2019. Its international and loud, everything festival goers love and ask us for year after year! We’ve programmed four days of great, free entertainment for residents and visitors and we hope everyone has a great time!”

For those that can’t wait for the flying display line up the Air Festival brochure is available to pre order online from www.bournemouthair.co.uk, and the flying display line up, available with each brochure, can be accessed early July.

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night time entertainment in the skies, on land and in the evening, the 12th Air Festival, takes place 29th August – 1st September 2019.

The world’s largest civilian jet display team, the Breitling Jets, will be streaming across Eastbourne’s skies this August, thanks to new airshow sponsor Ginsters.

The world renowned French team will be bringing their magnifique headline act to Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow for the very first time, performing every day from 15 – 18 August.

The team of L-39 Albatross jets, led by one of the world’s most experienced pilots, Jacques Bothelin, are known for their close formation precision flying, often at just 3 metres apart, all while flying at speeds of over 700km per hour.

Supported by the UK’s biggest selling pasty producer, the free seafront airshow will also feature a range of fast jets, historic favourites, freefall parachutists, wingwalkers and night time pyro-aerobatic displays.

To top off an exciting four days of displays, Ginsters will also be sponsoring a dazzling finale of fireworks to end the show, supported by Frontier Fireworks.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “We are super excited to welcome the Breitling Jets for the very first time and our thanks go to Ginsters for their huge support in sponsoring Airbourne this year. We look forward to welcoming Jacques and his team extraordinaire for a sensational display over the sunny skies of Eastbourne this summer.”

Leader of the Brietling Jets, Jacques Bothelin said “We very much look forward to meeting the crowds at Eastbourne in our first ever display on the Sunshine Coast and can promise a spectacular four days of flying from the Breitling Jets.”

Airbourne returns from 15 – 18 August with more flying displays to be announced. The four day seafront show also features a military exhibition, helicopter pleasure flights, children’s entertainment, Bandstand concerts, film screenings and much more. Entry is free.

To beat the crowds and for prime views, keen aviators can upgrade to first class hospitality with High Fliers @ The Aviator Club from £99 per person and Sunday’s Departure Lounge dining just £55 per person. Both offer exclusive dining and fully stocked bar in a private marquee and viewing area on the Western Lawns. Alternatively, reserved seats are available in the Exclusive Seating area all day from just £6 per adult (£4 per child).

www.eastbourneairshow.com

Harrier pilots from across the generations have reminisced about their experiences of flying the British-designed vertical landing aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Retired record-breaking RAF Harrier pilot Tom Lecky-Thomson, who flew an early-generation Harrier across the Atlantic for the 1969 Daily Mail’s Trans-Atlantic Air Race between London and New York, met with pilots from the Spanish Navy Harrier who participated in the air display over RAF Fairford.

Participating pilots in the Trans-Atlantic Race started from the Post Office Tower in London and finished at the top of the Empire State Building.

Having taken a helicopter from the Post Office Tower, Tom then flew across the Atlantic non-stop after performed Harrier’s party trick, a vertical take-off from a railway yard near St Pancras station. With the support of aerial refuelling aircraft, he touched down on a pier on New York’s East River just under six hours later, before making his way by motorcycle to the Empire State Building.

Tom said: “I am so proud to have been a part of the team that had made that flight. The Harrier was a wonderful aircraft to fly, even better than a helicopter when in the hover.”

His Spanish counterparts were amazed when Tom explained he had just 70 hours of flight-time in the Harrier under his belt when he performed the amazing feat.

Meanwhile one of the pilots flying the Spanish Harriers, Navy Commander “Moro” flew his last ever Harrier sortie at the Air Tattoo, before he takes on a new post in Colombia.

After taking to the skies over Fairford on Sunday, his aircraft was greeted by a water arch provided by the show’s firefighters.

“Moro”, who has flown 2,200 hours in the Harrier during his career, commented: “I am very happy to have my last flight here, not many pilots get to have their last flight at an airshow.

“Flying the Harrier at the Air Tattoo is like being a rock star on a stage, there is so much support from the crowd.”

www.airtattoo.com

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo® have described as “out of this world” the feast of flying served up to bumper crowds over the three-day event at RAF Fairford.

The airshow, whose theme for 2019 was Air & Space: Inspiring the Next Generation Air Force, attracted 170,000 visitors including British astronaut Maj Tim Peake. Maj Peake dedicated most of his visit engaging with young people in the critically acclaimed Techno Zone®. He said: “It was satisfying to see the wonderful impact that the Techno Zone® is having in promoting STEM and inspiring youngsters.”

In total, 245 aircraft from 39 air arms representing 25 nations took part in the event, including the RAF Red Arrows, whose performance on Sunday marked their final UK public display this year before they depart on their Western Hawk 19 tour of North America.

Over the three days of the airshow, spectacular aerial set pieces were staged including a unique joint flypast by the RAF Red Arrows and a specially-painted British Airways Boeing 747 jumbo jet to mark the airline’s centenary. NATO’s 70th anniversary was marked by a commemorative flypast by aircraft from a number of member nations including F-16s from Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and Norway. They were joined by three RAF Typhoons, F-15s from the US Air Force, a German Typhoon and a French KC-135.

Other set pieces staged during the three days included a joint flypast by the Red Arrows and French aerobatic display team the Patrouille France, plus a rare joint formation by an Airbus A400M and civilian aerobatic team The Blades.

Flying display highlights included the Romanian Mikoyan MiG-21, an icon from the Cold War that hasn’t flown at the Air Tattoo since 2001 and the Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-27, which performed an imposing and agile display. There was also a debut by the hugely popular Spanish Navy Harrier duo.

On the ground, visitors were able to see up close rarely seen aircraft including a giant Qatari C-17, the imposing USAF B-52 and rare F-4 Phantoms from the Turkish Air Force.

There was an Air Tattoo debut for the Embraer Super Tucano and a world debut for the Northrop Grumman Firebird, an optionally manned surveillance aircraft. The public were also able to view for the first time all seven training aircraft used by the UK’s military under the Military Flying Training System operated by Ascent Flying Training consortium.

British and Swedish government ministers used the show to herald a new agreement to work together on a future fighter aircraft, the Tempest, further cementing the show’s growing role as a showcase for aerospace and technology.

Among the many senior military guests were Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee; General David Goldfein, US Air Force Chief of Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force. Senior industry guests included Sir Roger Carr, Chairman of BAE Systems and Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence & Space.

Also at the airshow were HRH Prince Michael of Kent, the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade; Minister for Defence Procurement Mr Stuart Andrew, Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist and Minister of State for the Armed Forces, the Rt Hon Mark Lancaster.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The past three days have been out of this world. We’ve seen an incredible display of aircraft from around the globe both in the air and on the ground as well as some memorable, unique joint flypasts.

“With the Air Tattoo taking place on the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, we’ve also had the opportunity to inspire our thousands of young visitors who’ve been discovering some of the exciting ways space will play a part in their future.

“I’d like to thank our title sponsor BAE Systems for their continued and valued support.”

www.airtattoo.com

Today, British astronaut Major Tim Peake fulfilled a boyhood dream, flying with the legendary Red Arrows at the Royal International Air Tattoo. Tim joined Red One, Squadron Leader Martin Pert, for the team’s rehearsal flight before they take part in the world’s greatest airshow over the next three days (19-21) in the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Talking about his flight with the Red Arrows, Major Tim Peake said: “It was truly incredible, I felt like I was living the dream. I have watched them since I was a young lad and I feel like this has been a boyhood dream fulfilment. It was a privilege to fly with these guys today. I love airshows and it is brilliant to be here.”

www.airtattoo.com

Today women with the necessary skills can join any branch of the Royal Navy. A little over 100 years ago, the Women’s Royal Naval Service motto was ‘Never at Sea’ yet in fact women were actively working on board serving ships and supporting naval operations long before 1917.

A new exhibition, opening today at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, reveals the remarkable stories of naval women. ‘Pioneers to Professionals’ traces the role of women in the Royal Navy from the mid-17th century through to the present day, highlighting the dramatic changes that have taken place over more than 250 years.

Leading by example, these pioneering women comprehensively demonstrated their capabilities and so laid the foundations for the eventual integration of the WRNS into the Royal Navy in 1993. Today females in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines make up 9.3% of the force in the UK Regular Forces and Future Reserves. Furthermore, the percentage of officers who are female in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, in the UK Regular Forces, stands at 10.6%. In July 2016, the government announced the lifting of restrictions on women serving in ground close combat roles, removing the last remaining barriers to full integration.

Women’s contribution to the Royal Navy has been overlooked in the past. It is a common misconception that until the introduction of the uniformed women’s service, the navy was an exclusively male domain. However, from the 17th century early pioneers disguised themselves as men or accompanied their husbands to sea on warships and this continued into the early 19th century.

The formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service in 1917 was an important milestone for the history of women and the Royal Navy. It allowed women to work in an official capacity in shore-based roles thus releasing men for shipboard service. Artefacts and photographs from the early years of the WRNS on display in this exhibition include a WRNS Director’s Log Book, images of those pioneer Wrens and drawings from the time.

During World War 2, the reformed WRNS took on an even wider variety of vital roles than their World War 1 forerunners. They were Aircraft and Radio Mechanics with the Fleet Air Arm, code-breakers at Bletchley Park and Despatch Riders ferrying important messages. Some received gallantry awards for their courage and fortitude. The exhibition profiles just a few of their contributions including an evocative tableau of a Despatch Rider in the midst of an air raid and a display showing Wrens assisting with the training of Fighter Direction Control Officers using an adapted ice cream seller’s tricycle.

Post-World War 2, women continued to expand the part they played in the Royal Navy and today are able to play an active role across all naval operations. Many have risen through the ranks to senior positions and in some cases have received gallantry awards for their actions.

‘Pioneers to Professionals’ underlines the key place of women in the Royal Navy story and what they have achieved over the past 250 years. The exhibition’s final collage of images depicts the huge variety of roles undertaken by women in the modern navy, roles that their early predecessors would never have imagined possible.

Curator Susan Dearing said “Women have been contributing to the work of the Royal Navy for over 250 years but their story has tended to remain in the background and their accomplishments largely unrecognised. But those who so successfully took up the challenge of working in the Royal Navy made possible the fact that women today enjoy the same service opportunities as their male colleagues. This exhibition provides a great opportunity to bring their inspiring story to the forefront.”

Entry to the Fleet Air Arm Museum costs from £13.50 per adult and £10 per child, with family tickets available from £39.50 for 2 adults and up to 3 children. Book online at www.fleetairarm.com

This week, Brooklands Museum in Surrey unveils its new logo to the public as it begins launching its refreshed brand identity across the business.

Brooklands Museum is the largest museum in Surrey, occupying 32 acres on the site of the world’s first motor racing circuit. It showcases the achievements of the pioneering men and women in motorsport and aviation since its creation in 1907. The famous Race Track and the huge aviation manufacturing factories made it a household name for much of the twentieth century. Since opening as a public Museum in 1991 it has continued to grow its collection of aircraft, racing bikes and cars as well as opening the award-winning* Brooklands Aircraft Factory. Visitors can also walk through the world’s largest privately-owned ex-London Bus collection, climb aboard the number 237 and take a seat to reminisce about the golden age of bus travel.

The new Brooklands visual style centres around a striking gold colour with and uses a series of nostalgic illustrations. Throughout July and August the museum will appear on trains and platforms across the South Western network and on double decker buses covering surrounding routes. The poster campaign focuses on a single piece of history unique to Brooklands and relates it to the present day. In one shot a Hawker Hurricane is face-to-face with a toddler in a model pedal plane who dreams of becoming a flying legend one day. In another, an archive shot of one of the leading female racing drivers from the 1930s is shown next to the statement: Breaking records and making history.

The museum’s refreshed look has been spearheaded by the Marketing Director Samantha Hart who joined the team in January 2019.

“Brooklands Museum is such an incredibly special place and we felt that we needed to give it a modern image that is instantly recognisable and attractive to new visitors. We’ve spent a lot of time consulting with our volunteers, members and audiences to harness what Brooklands means to them and what we have to offer, and this will shine through in our summer visitor campaigns. Brooklands Museum is not just a transport museum; every day we walk in the footsteps of the legends and pioneers who changed the world of motorsport and aviation; so many firsts and record-breaking achievements actually happened here. We’re extremely excited about re-engaging past visitors and welcoming new guests to Brooklands Museum this year.”

The Museum is home to the legendary Concorde where you can re-live the age of supersonic flight and experience the exciting era of modern travel. This stunning aircraft stands proudly alongside the Sultan of Oman’s luxurious, private airliner and other fine examples of Brooklands Aircraft and engineering.

One of the most unique elements of this historic destination is that many of the day-to-day and specialised areas of keeping the museum alive is accomplished by a team of over 800 dedicated, skilled volunteers; one of the largest volunteer teams in the country. This could be anything from aircraft restoration, building maintenance, stewarding, archiving and welcoming and guiding visitors and groups. Spend the day exploring the interactive collections and discover what it was like to be a racing driver or pilot over 100 years ago.

Brooklands Museum guarantees a great day out for people of all ages and interests. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you pass through the motoring village where the original sheds, filled with historic racing cars and motorcycles, set an authentic tone enhanced by the smell of engine oil and music from the heyday of motor racing at the Brooklands Race Track. You can also hear the stories of aviation legends who pushed boundaries and overcame the impossible to change the way we travel today. During the winter season, don’t miss the chance to go behind the scenes on a Torchlight Tour, exploring Brooklands after dark in search of some of those ghostly legends.

Brooklands Museum is open daily from 10am and admission charges, directions, news and events can all be found by visiting www.brooklandsmuseum.com