The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire will be encouraging visitors to join them from the 8th May to commemorate VE Day 2025.
The Museum will be staging a very special temporary display which will feature Second World War highlights from the Museum’s collection. Visitors will be able to see artefacts and documents that provide a unique insight into Army aviation during the global conflict, along with excerpts from recordings of those who were there. Many of the items in the exhibition will not have been on public display before, therefore offering a unique opportunity to even the most regular of visitors to the Museum.
A stunning soundtrack of words and music will be played in the breathtaking Hayward Hall from the 8th – 10th May, giving visitors a chance to remember, commemorate and reflect whilst admiring the amazing aircraft on display.
On Friday 9th May, the Museum will host a very special talk by Military Historian – Paul Beaver – Middle Wallop in the War Years. Most people know Middle Wallop for its Battle of Britain connection, but its history during the Second World War was varied and fascinating. From flying Poles to American fighters, the airfield had many users in five years of conflict. A great opportunity for visitors to learn some things they may not have known about Wallop!
Local enthusiasts Gramofun, will also be sharing their love of gramophones on the 9th, bringing a selection of wind-up gramophones and 1940’s records to ensure visitors can hear the music exactly as it would have sounded in the day, with a very special VE80 theme.
With special VE80 activity sheets and a trail for younger visitors to learn more about the Second World War, the Museum hopes to encourage family groups to come and experience all the Museum has to offer.
To encourage visitors into the Museum to commemorate VE80, the Museum are offering a very special one-off entry fee of just £8 on the 8th May!
The Wings Aviation Museum is proud to announce the generous gifting of the original Kestrel undercarriage by the Royal Air Force Museum to support the restoration of Hawker Kestrel XS694 — a rare and iconic piece of British aviation history.
This extraordinary donation follows six years of delegation, discussions, and unwavering commitment, and marks a significant milestone in the restoration of XS694. The RAF Museum has gifted the complete main gear, nose gear, one outrigger, and two main wheels — vital components that will allow Wings Aviation Museum’s dedicated team to progress the project with greater authenticity and historical accuracy.
Manufactured by Dowty, a leading British aerospace engineering company now known as Safran Landing Systems, the Kestrel’s undercarriage was an advanced piece of design for its time — developed to withstand the demands of vertical and short takeoff trials. The survival of these original components is incredibly rare, making this gift both technically invaluable and historically significant.
The museum plans to reverse engineer the outrigger to fabricate a second one, ensuring the full set is complete. Anyone with experience in reverse engineering or fabrication of aircraft components is encouraged to get in touch and lend their expertise to this unique restoration effort.
“We are deeply honoured by the RAF Museum’s support,” said Aaron Simmons and Dave Cotton, joint project leads at Wings Aviation Museum. “The undercarriage is not just a mechanical part — it represents a major piece of British innovation and aviation development. This gift brings us one step closer to preserving a vital chapter of our aerospace heritage.”
“We are proud to support the restoration of Hawker Kestrel XS694 — an aircraft that played a vital role in the development of V/STOL flight and Britain’s aerospace leadership. The RAF Museum is fortunate to have a Kestrel on display at our Midlands site, where it continues to inspire visitors with its story of innovation and engineering excellence. By gifting these rare and original parts — which would otherwise remain in storage — to the Wings Aviation Museum, we are helping to bring another remarkable airframe back to life. It is through partnerships like this that we ensure our nation’s aviation heritage is preserved, shared, and celebrated with wider audiences for generations to come.”
— Maggie Appleton, CEO, Royal Air Force Museum
The Hawker Kestrel FGA.1 was a pioneering aircraft developed in the early 1960s to test Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) technology. With only a handful ever built, each surviving component carries immense historical value. XS694 is one of only two surviving Kestrels in the UK — and the only example to have been brought back from the United States, where it served with both the United States Air Force (USAF) and NASA during its active life.
In a fitting tribute to the aircraft’s legacy, once restored, Hawker Kestrel XS694 will go on public display at Dunsfold Aerodrome — the very airfield where it first took to the skies. This future display will honour not only the aircraft’s revolutionary design but also its unique connection to British aviation history and innovation.
The Kestrel is just one part of the Wings Aviation Museum’s ambitious future at Dunsfold, where plans are progressing for a new, expanded museum site. The new facility will tell the story of Hawker Aviation and British aerospace innovation at Dunsfold, from the early jet age through to the iconic Harrier. As part of its mission, the museum will deliver engaging STEM-focused educational programmes designed to inspire young people to explore careers in engineering, science, and technology — connecting classroom learning with real-world aviation heritage. Visitors will also experience enhanced exhibition spaces and hands-on restoration workshops, bringing the remarkable legacy of British aircraft design and test flying to life. XS694 will take pride of place in this new setting, helping to inspire future generations.
The undercarriage components will be integrated into the ongoing restoration efforts at the museum’s workshop in West Sussex, where volunteers and aviation experts have been working tirelessly to return XS694 to its former glory.
Wings Aviation Museum extends its heartfelt thanks to the RAF Museum for this remarkable gift and their ongoing support of historic aircraft preservation. Their generosity ensures that future generations can continue to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by Britain’s rich aviation legacy.
Wings Aviation Museum invites supporters, historians, and enthusiasts to follow the project’s progress and contribute to this historic endeavour. Donations of tools, parts — including essential skin pins — and financial support are all welcomed to keep this unique restoration flying forward.
Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot Aviation & Avionics Sale
Saturday 12th April, 2025
The next Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 12th April, 2025. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers across the UK and is taking place as a standalone museum event.
The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border.
More than thirty-five (35) sellers, who come from around the UK have pre-booked selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.
Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and a wide range of aircraft parts.
Normal museum admission rates will apply: Adults £12.00, Over 65s £11.00, Children £6.00 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £33.00.
The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.
Further details are available on the Events Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.
The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire are thrilled to announce local company Andover Norton International, have shown their support for the charity’s annual fundraising event Wallop Wheels and Wings, which this year will take place on Saturday 12 July.
The company, which was founded in 1977, is home to the biggest stock of Norton parts worldwide, selling more Norton factory spare parts for Norton Commandos, Dominators and other models, than anyone else in the World. The company are a perfect partnership with the Museum for their fifth Wallop Wheels and Wings event as they look to grow the display and cavalcade of motorcycles in 2025, having already achieved record numbers of car exhibitors for this year’s event.
Karl Smith, Managing Director of Andover Norton International said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Army Flying Museum for their Wallop Wings and Wheels 2025 event. As a local business based in Andover, who’re connected to a classic British motorcycle brand, it felt like a perfect affiliation.
We can’t wait to attend and showcase some of our own incredible Classic Norton collection and see the vehicles on display on the day.”
The confirmation of support from Andover Norton comes as very welcome news to the Museum as they grow from strength to strength with their packed event programme and record visitor numbers, following their Silver Award for Small Visitor Attraction of the year at the Beautiful South Awards in December.
Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is our main fundraising event for the charity and now, in its fifth year, we hope it will be bigger and better than ever. It is fantastic to have secured Andover Norton as a sponsor this year to develop the motorcycle element of the event and we are delighted to be working with them and can’t wait to see the array of Norton bikes on display.”
The event will again feature a wide array of classic and super cars, motorcycles and aircraft, to please both aviation and motor enthusiasts, with a small number of air display elements during the day.
For non-enthusiasts, there will be the opportunity to browse the artisan trader village, with over 40 stalls selling a wide range of arts, crafts, food and drink. New to the event this year will be a speaker’s tent for visitors with an avid interest in military history.
Activities for families and children will be in abundance, with mini go-carts, circus skills, pedal planes, mini tanks, face painting and lots of craft and interactive activities to keep little ones busy throughout the day.
Shuttleworth and Aero Legends are delighted to announce a new relationship that will see Aero Legends’ flight experiences operating out of Shuttleworth Aerodrome (Old Warden) from May.
Aero Legends are a premium provider of vintage flying experiences, offering customers the chance to fly in authentically restored wartime aircraft with some of the world’s most established pilots. Their growing fleet of pleasure flight aircraft is the most diverse in the UK and includes the legendary Spitfire.
Shuttleworth is home to a live airfield, an internationally renowned Collection of aircraft from 1909-1950, as well as veteran vehicles and buses, heritage exhibits, a 9-acre Regency Garden and Shuttleworth House, a Victorian mansion. The site also operates a popular café that is free to access.
Now, the two organisations are excited to be offering a new location for flight experiences in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Members of the public will be able to book flights in a two seater Spitfire as well as a T6 Harvard aircraft from Shuttleworth Aerodrome. Following a detailed pre-flight briefing, Aero Legends will offer guests the chance to experience a fantastic range of aerobatic manoeuvres in unrestricted airspace, with no limit on guest numbers – who can enjoy watching from the ground and make the most of Shuttleworth’s on-site facilities. Flight bookers will take home a souvenir pack complete with flight certificate and aircraft patch.
Benjamin Perkins, Managing Director of Aero Legends, said, “We can’t wait to bring our premium vintage flying experiences to Shuttleworth in this new relationship. This will be the fourth location from which we can provide thrilling experiences in our legendary aircraft.”
Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth, added, “We are excited to see Shuttleworth as a new location for Aero Legends’ iconic flying experiences. This development in our relationship is a great move toward strengthening bonds in the aviation community. Long may it continue.”
To find out more or to book an Aero Legends flight experience at Shuttleworth, visit www.shuttleworth.org. Flying guests will also receive complimentary access to Shuttleworth’s Collection and Garden.
To say thank you for the £30million raised for Good Causes every week by players, hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues across the UK will be offering free entry, discounts and special offers throughout National Lottery Open Week
National Lottery Open Week runs 15-23 March and aims to encourage people to say yes to simple pleasures this spring
The RAF Museum is offering lottery players 2 for 1 on Flight Simulator and 4D Theatre rides, plus 10% off in the Museum shop and restaurant
To say thank you for the £30 million raised for good causes every week by players, there is free entry and special offers at a range of National Lottery funded venues across the UK as part of National Lottery Open Week.
From Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 March 2025, anyone with a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy a low-cost day out thanks to free or discounted entry and special offers at hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues and attractions, including the RAF Museum in both London and the Midlands.
Delve into the past with historical houses, castles and museums, embrace nature in all its glory at wildlife hotspots, relive iconic moments at famous sports venues or enjoy a culture fix at art galleries and cinemas across the country. There is something for everyone.
Visit the RAF Museum this National Lottery Open Week and enjoy flying entertainment for the whole family, with 2 for 1 tickets onFlight Simulator and 4D Theatre rides. Experiences include flying with the Red Arrows in the amazing 4D theatre, combining motion picture with physical effects. Or feel the speed and agility of the Eurofighter Typhoon onboard the Flight Simulator, with a pilot’s eye view from the cockpit. It’s guaranteed family fun for thrill-seekers of all ages!
National Lottery ticket holders will also receive 10% off in the Museum shop for the duration of the Open Week. Receive money off an extensive collection of clothing, gifts, models and kits, home and kitchenware, toys, games, jewellery and much more!
After exploring the hangars at the Museum, relax and refuel in the onsite restaurant and enjoy 10% off a great selection of food and drink, including barista coffees, homemade cakes, hot lunches or snacks from the deli. To redeem your discounts at the Museum, simply show your National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game to a member of staff. To find out more about what’s on offer at the Museum and to plan your visit, go to rafmuseum.org.
Barry Smith, Director of Visitor and Commercial Development at RAF Museum said:
‘We’re delighted to be participating in National Lottery Open Week this year. Like many organisations across the UK, we have directly benefited from National Lottery funding, which has been instrumental in advancing our Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. This transformative project will bring significant changes to our Midlands site, including an immersive exhibition exploring today’s RAF, a new Learning Centre, and a purpose built Collections Hub, allowing us to share our stored collection with the public for the first time. These developments will be complemented by a regional engagement programme, with work set to begin later this year. National Lottery players make an invaluable contribution to good causes, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to say thank you. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the RAF Museum during Open Week.’
To view all venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week, visit www.nationallotteryopenweek.com.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: ‘We’re excited to bring back National Lottery Open Week 2025! Life’s pace often pushes us to say ‘no’ to things we want to do, prioritising instead the things we think we ‘should do’. National Lottery Open Week is a chance to say ‘yes’ to joyful experiences – exploring the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out. It is our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for Good Causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.’ Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.
This ambitious project will deliver a major regional engagement programme, alongside a site transformation, including:
A new immersive exhibition will explore the critical role of the RAF since 1980 to today, imagining how the service will adapt in the future as it delivers 24/7 Air, Space and Cyber defence
A new Learning Centre co-designed with students and teachers will provide bespoke facilities for lifelong learning programmes in subjects ranging from science, technology, engineering and maths, to geography, art and design
A new purpose-built Collections Hub will enable the Museum’s stored collection to be brought on site and opened to the public for the first time, providing opportunities for research, conservation, activities, talks and tours
The complementary development of a new public realm will provide spaces for outdoor activities, rest and relaxation, and picnicking.
The Wolfson Foundation’s £650k grant for the RAF Museum was announced in their latest round of grants. The generous funding from the Wolfson Foundation is a significant contribution to the Museum’s fundraising campaign for the project and will be specifically directed towards the creation of a new Learning Centre.
Maggie Appleton, RAF Museum CEO, said:
‘We are deeply grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for their generous £650,000 investment. This will play a pivotal role in the creation of our new Learning Centre, enabling us to inspire future generations and share the RAF’s stories in innovative and engaging ways for people of all ages. The Learning Centre will transform our offer for school groups, enabling us to accommodate an additional 8,000 students per year. These state-of-the-art facilities will include two analogue and two digital classrooms, lunch spaces for up to 120 students, and spaces for outdoor learning. Support from the Wolfson Foundation underscores the importance of education, and we are delighted to have them as a key partner in this transformative project.’
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said:
‘We are delighted to support the redevelopment of the RAF Museum Midlands, especially the new Learning Centre. Support for education is at the heart of our work, and this ambitious project will engage and inspire new audiences, including young people, by connecting them with the story of the RAF in fresh and innovative ways.’
The Development Programme will increase the Museum’s capacity to engage with a wider, more diverse audience than ever before. The transformation will be underpinned by, and feed into, activities that welcome more of our communities to use the RAF Museum and RAF story as a resource, enabling the Museum to play a more impactful role across the Midlands. The project will also support the Museum’s ambition to become a Carbon Net Zero organisation. Work will commence later this year and is expected to be complete by summer 2027.
The Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme is supported by a number of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.
To find out more about the redevelopment project and how you can get involved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.
The RAF Museum Midlands line-up of events for 2025 will deliver something for everyone, with immersive activities, historical commemorations, and plenty of family fun.
Highlights of the 2025 Calendar:
STEM Week (15 – 23 February) Explore the exciting world of STEM this February half term, with explosive science shows, and flight simulators galore. Journey to the stars in the mobile planetarium, fly a quadcopter on a mission, or build a LEGO dragster and compete in a race powered by balloons.
Pilot Training (12 – 27 April) Perfect for aspiring young pilots. Embark on a series of exciting missions, honing essential skills and teamwork needed to take to the skies. Upon successfully completing all the challenges, you’ll be awarded your very own pilot badge.
VE Day (10 – 11 May) Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the Museum’s VE Day celebrations will feature live outdoor performances, bunting craft workshops contributing to a hangar installation, engaging lectures on wartime rationing and more!
World War Two Week (24 May – 1 June) Step back in time with this immersive family event, packed with hands-on activities and historical fun! Visit the Airfix station to build your own World War Two aircraft model and have a go at crafting a mini-Anderson shelter. Learn the art of Morse code in our engaging workshops and take part in a wartime trail.
Summer of Fun and Flight (19 July – 31 August) Enjoy a summer-long programme of activities for families. Challenge yourself to a round of mini golf or try your hand at archery. Unleash your creativity with flight themed crafts, and marvel at birds of prey in action. There are new experiences each week, keeping families entertained throughout the school break.
Battle of Britain Weekend (20 – 21 September) Celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a weekend of family-friendly activities and experiences. A spectacular line-up of live music, dance performances, and acrobatics will light up the stage. Join in the have-a-go activities, sample tasty street food, and explore exhibits showcasing regional talent and history. It’s an unforgettable day of live entertainment!
Jet and Space Week (25 October – 2 November) Prepare for an out of this world half term! Explore the night sky with stargazing evenings and watch the Museum’s beloved mascot Percy go to space. Build a paper rocket, take part in a planet-themed trail, and capture photos in the astronaut selfie station.
Remembrance Service (9 November)
The Museum will host a Service of Remembrance to honour members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty. The service will be led by RAF Cosford’s Station Chaplain, with hymns from the Cosford Military Wives Choir.
Elf Training (13 –14 and 20 –21 December) Get into the festive spirit with the Royal Elf Force as they conduct their annual Elf Cadet Training. New recruits will take on festive challenges and help Santa with his biggest mission of the year! New for 2025, enjoy a special screening of ‘The Snowman’ accompanied by an interactive light show, plus fun snowman-themed activities for all ages.
RAF Museum Public Events Manager, Mike Groves said:
‘The RAF Museum Midlands 2025 events line-up will captivate and inspire visitors of all ages. From the exciting STEM Week in February, to commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re soaking up the fun all summer long, experiencing an out of this world Jet and Space Week in October, or getting festive with our Elf Cadets, 2025 is set to be a year filled with unforgettable memories.’
For more information on any of the events taking place at the RAF Museum Midlands throughout 2025, visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands. Admission charges apply for some events and activities, tickets are available online. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year.
The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.
Here at Newark Air Museum, a registered charity, we’re have some exciting special events planned for our 2025 season and we hope that you might be able feature them in your event listing sections.
15th March, 2025 – Day Night Photoshoot
The Day-Night Photo Shoot event is the first event of 2025 and will take place on Saturday, 15th March.
Those people on our Mailing Lists have already been contacted and a good number of places have been booked, but we do have space available for other participants.
The event will formally commence after the museum closes to the public at 5pm; however anyone signing up for the event will be eligible to arrive at the museum from 10am onwards on March 15th so that they can enjoy a whole day taking pictures around the museum site.
The event will feature themed ground equipment, illuminated aircraft and limited in-house re-enactors.
12th April, 2025 – Outdoor Aeroboot/Aerojumble aviation & avionic sale
This Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble sale will take place on Saturday 12th April, 2025. This will be a standalone event, with all sellers being located out on the museum’s Southfield Site.
Booking information has been sent out to all of the people on the Aeroboot Mailing List; spaces are now available to anyone not on the mailing list in the wider aviation community. It is a great chance to participate in some in-person aviation trading.
This year will mark the 25th time that the museum’s Cockpit-Fest event has provided a focal point for cockpit owners from across the UK. Once again it will be run alongside a two-day outdoor aviation sale. This annual gathering provides the perfect opportunity for the public to view a diverse range of visiting aircraft cockpits.
During the year the Aeropark holds a number of events where subject to availability we open up the cockpits of our aircraft in order that visitors can view the inside and in certain of the aircraft actually have the opportunity to get inside the aircraft and/or cockpits.
The late evening opening events will also see some of our aircraft lit up for the chance of a great photo opportunity and to also view movements at the airport later in the day including possible movement of cargo aircraft.
17th – 21st April – Extended Easter Weekend Opening
