Date: 15 September / Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm / Cost: Free

Experience the spirit of the Midlands on Sunday 15 September, as the RAF Museum Midlands throws open its doors for a vibrant, free Community Day in partnership with the Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council.

This exciting event will bring together communities from every corner of the region, celebrating the rich tapestry of talent and history that makes the Midlands unique. Expect a day bursting with lively music, dance performances, have-a-go activities, fascinating displays, street food, and so much more!

Throughout the day a spectacular line-up of dance, music, and spoken word performances will light up the stage! Immerse yourself in Dhol drumming, Polish dancing, and live jazz music—guaranteed to get everyone up on their feet. Marvel at the jaw-dropping African acrobatics show that will have you joining in and feast your eyes on the mesmerising Chinese dance and music. Surrounded by aircraft, families will be enthralled by captivating storytelling, inspiring poetry, and energetic rap performances. It’s an unforgettable day of live entertainment!

Join in on a lively assortment of interactive workshops where the whole family can get involved! Get hands-on with Dhol drum classes, unleash your artistic side in art workshops, or learn the energetic moves of Bhangra dance. You can also test your strength, balance, and agility with a thrilling African acrobatic circus skills experience. Plus, have a go at shooting hoops on the pop-up basketball court—there’s something fun for everyone to try!

The Museum will highlight the inspiring stories of local people who have served, or are currently serving, in the RAF. Visitors can explore a range of displays that showcase the deep connections between the RAF and Midlands communities, featuring a special exhibit on the Polish Air Squadrons.

Beyond the Community Day activities, families can explore the Museum’s unique collection, ranging from bi-planes to fast jets, in four vast display hangars. Experience the excitement of flying in the interactive Flight Zone, let the little ones go wild in the aviation themed playground, or try on some of the RAF uniforms and pose for a selfie. The Museum is packed with flying entertainment for the whole family!

Entry to the RAF Museum Midlands and the Community Day is free. For more details and to pre-book your arrival time, visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands

The Royal Air Force Museum and the RAF Air Cadets are pleased to announce the signing of a Cooperation Agreement formalising their strategic partnership. The partnership will draw on RAF stories for inspiration, learning and enjoyment, supporting the RAF Air Cadets to develop new skills and understanding and ensuring the RAF Museum’s collection and sites remain relevant for people of all ages.

The Agreement marks a significant step forward in fostering a deeper relationship between the two organisations. It was signed at the Museum in London by RAF Museum CEO – Maggie Appleton MBE and Commandant RAF Air Cadets – Air Cdre A C Keeling OBE.

The first major project to combine our resources and expertise is the co-creation of a new exhibition which is part of the Museum’s Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme opening in 2027 that will explore the RAF and its people from 1980 to the present day and invite visitors to imagine its future.

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton MBE:
‘The RAF Air Cadets have generously supported the Museum over many years at events and receptions at both our London and Midlands sites and, in turn, enjoyed engagement with our team and exhibitions. We are delighted to formalise our partnership with this Agreement and very much look forward to deepening and developing our friendship together.’

www.rafmuseum.org

Date: 25 July – 1 September 2024
Time: 11.00am and 2.00pm
Cost: From £10.00

Summer’s off to a flying start at the RAF Museum Midlands, as doors to the thrilling action-packed family Flying Theatre show – Bravo, Bravo open!

Bravo, Bravo is an immersive performance about the world-famous RAF Chinook helicopter Bravo November, that will wow audiences as performers soar through the air with the help of a flying machine! This dynamic storytelling experience, enriched with humour, dance, and plenty of audience participation, brings to life the Chinook’s ‘impossible’ real-life tales, ensuring families are engaged from start to finish.

Over the course of the 45-minute show, performers embody the characters of Bravo November, and her friends, Vulcan, Victor and EAP. Each aircraft with their distinct personalities, compete against one another in a battle to be crowned the best aircraft. Despite Bravo November’s struggle to match the speed or size of her competitors, the final round reveals her incredible stories in a captivating demonstration of her spirit and invaluable contribution to the Royal Air Force.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Bravo, Bravo combines exceptional skill and artistry, with an immersive portrayal of Bravo November’s real-life legacy, showcasing a machine that epitomises the extraordinary.

Alex Woolliscroft, RAF Museum Public Events Manager said:
‘Bravo, Bravo is not just a show, it’s an exhilarating journey through aviation history that brings the incredible stories of the RAF Chinook helicopter Bravo November to life. We’re excited to offer families this unique and immersive experience this summer. Our partnership with Highly Sprung guarantees a captivating performance that educates and entertains, making it a must-see event for all ages.’

The Bravo, Bravo Flying Theatre show will run from 25 July until 1 September, Wednesday to Sunday, at 11.00am and 2.00pm each day. Tickets are priced from £10.00. Book now at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history.

For an extra special treat, why not book one of the VIP passes with front row seats to the show, followed by an exclusive access on board tour of the real Chinook helicopter Bravo November on display at the Museum. Hear real-life stories about the crew while inside the aircraft, including access to the cockpit. VIP tickets costs £30.00 per person (max 10 per show).

RAF Museum Midlands recognised as a traveller-favourite attraction.

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands is pleased to announce today that it has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.

Alan Edwards, Head of Operations at RAF Museum said:
‘We are honoured to be included among travellers favourites this year and extend our heartfelt thanks to every visitor who left us a review. This accolade is a testament to the exceptional work of our staff and volunteers, who ensure our visitors have an outstanding experience. Their dedication to delivering a warm welcome, engaging experiences, and maintaining the Museum to the highest standards has led to this achievement.’

John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor said:
‘Congratulations to the RAF Museum Midlands on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024. Travellers’ Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.’

Check out all the reviews, and discover more about the RAF Museum Midlands on Tripadvisor. Entry to the RAF Museum is free, to book your day out at the top attraction visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.

Throughout 2023 and 2024 the trustees of the Newark Air Museum [NAM] have been in discussions with the Royal Air Force Museum (RAFM), regarding the loan of the Gloster Meteor F.8 (mod) WK935 / 7869M, which is often referred to as the Prone Meteor.

The Loan Agreement was finalised on 21st June, 2024. Thanks to a lot of pre-planning and preparation work the Prone Meteor was moved from the RAFM Cosford site to NAM’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the border with Lincolnshire, on Monday 24th June, 2024.

Staff from the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre (MBCC) at Cosford supervised the move, which was undertaken by their preferred contractor, SPH Plant Limited from Telford, Salop. During a subsequent two-day time period the MBCC staff reassembled the Prone Meteor, before moving into Hangar 2 on NAM’s Southfield Site. Local forklift hire was kindly arranged by AEM Lifting from Tuxford, Notts.

“The museum first contemplated trying to take the Prone Meteor on loan, at the suggestion of aviation historian Ken Ellis, whilst developing the Interpretation Plan for the other British prone trials aircraft, the Reid and Sigrist Desford.” commented Newark Air Museum Trustee, Colin Savill.

“We are grateful to the Royal Air Force Museum staff at both London and Midlands, who have helped implement this loan agreement.” He concluded, “Securing the loan of the Prone Meteor allows us to display these two unique aircraft from the golden age of British aviation, together at one location; something that has never happened before!”

An additional comment has also been made by Dr Harry Raffal at the RAF Museum: “We are delighted that through our loan of the Meteor F8 to Newark Air Museum new audiences will engage with this unique strand of the RAF story. The loan will provide an exciting new exhibit at Newark Air Museum whilst helping the RAF Museum share our collection more widely.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Date: 25 July – 1 September 2024
Time: 11.00am and 2.00pm
Cost: Children from £10 / Adults from £12.50 (20% early bird discount available until 1 July)

This summer the RAF Museum Midlands and Highly Sprung are teaming up for a thrilling action-packed family show – Bravo, Bravo!

Step inside the Museum’s Flying Theatre and expect to be wowed throughout the 45-minute show by dynamic storytelling as performers soar through the air with the help of a flying machine! Bravo, Bravo is not just a performance but an immersive experience and a captivating demonstration of the spirit of Bravo November, the famous Chinook helicopter, and its invaluable contribution to the Royal Air Force.

The Chinook, with its distinct personality, becomes a living, breathing character on stage as its tales unfold. This exciting new show promises to be a visual and emotional spectacular, combining skill and artistry, with an immersive and dynamic portrayal of Bravo November’s real-life legacy.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Bravo, Bravo shares captivating stories of Bravo November, a machine that defies the ordinary and embodies the extraordinary.

Shows will run at 11.00am and 2.00pm each day. Tickets start from £10 for children and £12.50 for adults, with discounts for family bookings. Book now at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands and save 20% with a special early bird offer and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history.

For an extra special treat, why not book one of the VIP passes with front row seats to the show, followed by an exclusive access on-board tour of the real Chinook helicopter Bravo November on display at the Museum. Hear real-life stories about the crew while inside the aircraft, including access to the cockpit. VIP tickets costs £30 per person (max 10 per show).

Arrangements for the 2024 Cockpit-Fest are well advanced at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire. The museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe; this year’s Cockpit-Fest is once again taking place in its traditional June time-slot; on Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June, 202.

This will be the twenty forth (24th) time that like-minded enthusiasts have displayed their aircraft cockpit sections at the museum. Cockpit-Fest has become a fixture on the aviation calendar and each year attracts many visiting cockpits and associated displays. Cockpit-Fest allows the owners the chance to display their prized exhibits to their fellow enthusiasts and the general public.

As ever this event will see a diverse range of aviation subjects represented. Twenty-seven (27) cockpits and airframes are due to attend, incorporating military jet cockpits, helicopters and civilian types.

In addition, eighteen (18) visiting aviation related exhibits will be displayed inside; with seven (7) special displays outside in different parts of our 16-acre site. Alongside Cockpit-Fest an Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation and avionics sale is being held. Here enthusiasts and the public can search out those missing aviation artefacts, books and models from the thirty-seven (37) sellers who have booked spaces.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the visitors being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results, prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like local history groups; re-enactors; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts.

Full details about the events and a full list of visiting cockpits and displays can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org

This summer the RAF Museum and Highly Sprung are teaming up for the ultimate fun-filled family show.

Trailblazers!
25 July – 01 September 2024
Trailblazers is a breath-taking, exhilarating aerial performance that unveils untold stories of amazing aviators and unsung heroes.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Trailblazers re-imagines the stories of two early influencers from aviation history: Amelia Earheart and Bessie Coleman.

Trailblazers is not just a performance but an immersive experience that challenges preconceptions and celebrates resilience, courage and innovation. Expect to be wowed by its dynamic storytelling as performers soar through the air and glide with precision.

Tickets start at £10 for children and £12.50 for adults, with discounts for family bookings. Book now and save 20% with our special early bird offer and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history in a new and exciting way!

Book now: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events/summer-flying-theatre/

We are honoured and thrilled to announce that His Majesty King Charles III has graciously accepted the role of Royal Patron for the RAF Museum. His Majesty’s dedication to honouring the legacy of the Royal Air Force and his unwavering support for our mission to share the story of the service make him a fitting ambassador for our institution.

King Charles III has always expressed pride in his personal connections with the Royal Air Force and has shown a deep interest in the history and wellbeing of the service. His Majesty is a member of the first Graduate Entry at RAF College Cranwell and flew in the Royal Air Force Museum’s British Aircraft Corporation Jet Provost T.5. which is now on display in Hangar 1 at the RAF Museum’s London site.

With His Majesty King Charles III as our Royal Patron, we look forward to further advancing our mission of sharing the rich history and enduring legacy of the Royal Air Force with audiences around the world.

Please join us in extending our warmest welcome and heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Charles III for his patronage of the RAF Museum.

www.rafmuseum.org

A Campbell-Bensen B.8M gyrocopter, G-ASNY that has been on loan at the Newark Air Museum (NAM) for more than fifteen (15) years was recently bequeathed to NAM in the will of the late gyrocopter collector, Roger Light. This complete airframe has been displayed in Hangar 1 since it arrived at the museum in April 2009.

Additional actions by the museum trustees and its volunteers has also safeguarded a significant collection of other gyrocopter airframe structures, engines, parts and assorted spares.

During several visits to north-west England, the items have been carefully gathered together and moved into storage at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire.

Work is already underway to sort the items out and to produce an inventory of what has been recovered. All items are in a good condition and early indications suggest that there are at least two nearly complete machines, with three additional main-frame structures.

The NAM trustees have agreed with the executor of the Roger Light Estate that eventually these gyrocopters should be made available for disposal to other suitable aviation collections across the UK.

www.newarkairmuseum.org