The Royal Air Force Museum is on a mission to relocate over 50,000 historic objects to a new Collections Hub in the Midlands.
To achieve this monumental move, the Museum is inviting the public and companies to join The Crate Escape, an ambitious fundraising campaign set to unlock over a century of incredible stories from RAF history.
The RAF Museum is the guardian of a national collection, capturing every aspect of RAF life. Currently, less than 1% of the Museum’s rich collection is on public display, with many of the remaining treasures hidden away in a vast storage facility at MOD Stafford. This Aladdin’s cave of aviation heritage holds everything from aircraft and ejector seats to uniforms, medals and memorabilia, each item with its own remarkable story.
Now, in a bold new mission, the Museum will relocate these hidden treasures to a new purpose-built Collections Hub at the RAF Museum Midlands, where they will become accessible to the public for the very first time.
Ewen Cameron, Curator (Stored Collection) at the RAF Museum, said:
‘The move from Stafford to our Midlands site is no small feat. Behind the scenes, our specialist staff and dedicated volunteers are busy preparing to move more than 50,000 objects. This equates to over 31,000 hours of work identifying and cataloguing each individual object, assessing its condition, carrying out essential conservation work, and carefully cleaning and packing the objects, ready for their final journey to the Museum.’
This enormous logistical operation marks a key phase in the wider transformation of the Museum’s Midlands site. Due for completion in summer 2027, the transformation will also include a new permanent exhibition that explores the role of the RAF from 1980 through to space and cyber defence, along with a state-of-the-art Learning Centre and expanded green spaces for visitors to enjoy. The project has been made possible with the support of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Royal Air Force, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.
Ella Hewitt, Individual Giving Manager at the RAF Museum, said:
‘The Crate Escape isn’t just about moving objects, it’s about bringing hidden RAF stories of bravery, innovation and sacrifice to light. By sponsoring a box, supporters are helping to preserve these powerful stories and make them accessible for future generations. With your support, we can deliver history to its new home and bring our vision for a transformed RAF Museum Midlands to life, one box at a time.’
Support the RAF Museum’s mission today by visiting rafmuseum.org. Every box tells a story. Every donation makes a difference. Choose your support tier, Bronze, Silver, or Gold, and sponsor a box used in the move.
Bronze £30 – Be one of four names on a box, receive a digital certificate, and see your name added to The Crate Escape virtual wall
Silver £100 – Your name will exclusively be added to a box, receive a special thank you and pin badge through the post, and see your name added to The Crate Escape virtual wall
Gold from £1000 – Large object sponsorships are available. Choose the object you wish to sponsor, receive personalised recognition on protective coverings, and enjoy the opportunity to visit the team in action at MOD Stafford, even get hands-on and help pack!
Whatever your sponsorship tier, supporters will receive a unique box number, exclusive behind-the-scenes project updates, and the thrilling reveal of what’s inside your sponsored box, be it boots, buttons, logbooks, or even a piece of an aircraft, when it moves to its new home.To find out more about the RAF Museum’s redevelopment project and how you can get involved in The Crate Escape, visit rafmuseum.org. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.
Arrangements for the 2025 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 21st & Sunday 22nd June, 2025.
This will be the twenty fifth (25th) 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. Plus, in what is a going to be a record turnout, more than forty (40) visiting cockpits and airframes are due to attend the event this year, including military jet cockpits, helicopters and civilian aircraft types.
In addition, nineteen (19) visiting aviation related exhibits will be displayed inside; with twenty (20) 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
The Army Flying Museum, in Middle Wallop, are in the last throws of their preparation for their popular annual fundraising event, Wallop Wheels and Wings, which will take place on both the Museum site and the historic adjacent airfield on Saturday 12 July.
Visitors are in for a real treat again this year as, weather permitting, a number of air displays are planned throughout the event. The amazing Aerosuperbatics Wing Walkers will be wowing the crowds and making their first visit to Wallop Wheels and Wings. The Wing walkers perform breathtaking acrobatics and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of two beautiful 1940’s Boeing Stearman biplanes as the pilots fly through a choreographed and energetic routine of dazzling aerobatics and close formation flypasts. It is set to be a very exciting addition to the display programme at this popular annual event at Middle Wallop. In addition, the Museum are thrilled to welcome back the RAF Falcons Parachute Display team, the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight Spitfire and the Navy Wings Harvard.
Also included in the programme are very special displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Douglas C47 Dakota and RAF Grob Tutor, along with what is set to be a real crowd pleaser, as a Westland Lynx AH Mk.7 takes to the skies to entertain the crowds.
The event is a great day out for the whole family, not just for car, motorbike and aircraft enthusiasts and will see a full programme of entertainment running throughout the day including inflatables, craft activities, laser tag, mini racers and circus skills, for all ages to get involved in. This year, sponsors GKN Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters will also provide some great activities to keep young minds whirring in the Discovery Den. Younger visitors will also have lots of fun with the classic pedal planes and little tanks. The event village will showcase local artisan traders including Homemade Brownie Company, New Forest Shortbread, Hornet Chilli, Saxnot Meadery, and many more and is a great chance to support local independent traders and pick up some unique gifts.
The event this year has attracted its highest number of exhibitors, with over 400 classic/super cars and motorcycles, with a very special display by sponsors Andover Norton International. The event will also showcase the Model Aircraft Club, Living History Groups and much more.
For those with an interest in photography, there are only limited tickets remaining for the photography enclosure which gives exclusive access to aircraft arrivals and prime positioning to capture some amazing shots on the day.
Chief Executive of the Museum Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is the Army Flying Museum’s main fundraising event and a chance to showcase some of the best vintage aircraft, cars and motorbikes on the beautiful site of Middle Wallop airfield. We are also thrilled to have been able to build on the number of air displays included in the event this year. The Museum is an independent charity and relies on fundraising activities to support the work we do in preserving the history of British Army aviation, so the proceeds from this event are vitally important. But it’s also a brilliant day out for the whole family and we hope you can join us!”
All tickets purchased in advance of the event come with a free annual pass for the Museum valid from 13 July and with all school holiday activities included in the annual pass, this gives great value for money for local families to enjoy and support this great local Museum.
3rd June 2025 marks 60 years since the theatrical release of the much-loved aviation comedy, ‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’. The film is a particular favourite at Shuttleworth as it features the Collection’s Bristol Boxkite, an aircraft celebrating its own anniversary in 2025.
‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’ is a 1965 comedy based on the early days of aviation. Set in 1920, the film centres around a host of characters racing to be the first to fly over the English Channel for a sizeable cash prize put up by a wealthy newspaper mogul. Whilst the characters all endeavour to win, several are also beguiled by the newspaper mogul’s daughter. This light-hearted caper was a firm favourite of the era.
Setting a film during the early years of aviation is one thing, but how do you accurately represent the aircraft that were being flown at that time, 115 years ago? Especially when some no longer existed in the 1960s? In the case of the 1910 Bristol Boxkite, F.G. Miles Engineering Ltd were tasked with building – to the original specification as far as possible – a reproduction of the iconic Edwardian aircraft. Following a starring role in the film, the Boxkite was acquired by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, who placed it in the care of the Shuttleworth Collection for preservation. Since being part of the Collection, the Boxkite has proven to be one of the most popular in the Collection, and has made many flights – the most recent being April of this year.
Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth (and someone who has flown the Boxkite), said, “We’re delighted to be able to preserve a stunning example of the Bristol Boxkite here at Shuttleworth for future generations to enjoy. Seeing this incredible aircraft up close in the hangars is one thing, but seeing it take to the skies is a truly magical experience and one that we are proud to be able to offer visitors 115 years on from the first flight this type of aircraft would have taken.”
Visitors can see the Shuttleworth Collection’s Bristol Boxkite in one of six hangars full of aeronautical history at the Bedford visitor attraction, or, for a truly remarkable experience, you can see it take to the skies at the upcoming Festival of Flight Air Show on 28 & 29 June, or any of the venue’s season air show displays. For daily admission or event tickets, visit www.shuttleworth.org
The Royal Air Force Museum is delighted to announce a new partnership and major investment from BAE Systems, in support of the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme.
This significant contribution towards the redevelopment of the Museum’s Midlands site will help transform the visitor experience. Funding will support the refurbishment of a historic hangar to house a new exhibition, alongside enhanced learning and community engagement opportunities aimed at broadening access and deepening public understanding of the RAF’s role, past, present, and future.
The investment was formally announced by RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton and Sir Stuart Atha, Director of Defence Capability at BAE Systems, at the Museum’s spring reception on 13 May, attended by key supporters, stakeholders, dignitaries and members of the community involved in developing the programme.
As a founding partner, BAE Systems’ generous funding will be directed towards the redevelopment of a 1930s hangar which will house a new exhibition and state-of-the-art learning centre alongside visitor facilities. The new immersive exhibition will explore the RAF’s critical role from 1980 to the present day. As a trusted partner to the RAF and expertise in aerospace, defence, and advanced technology, BAE Systems is uniquely positioned to support the Museum as it explores the RAF’s evolving role in Air, Space and Cyber operations.
Highlights of the hangar will include a BAE Systems Red Arrows Hawk T1, greeting visitors as they enter, and a 1:1 model of the future Tempest combat air system, both cutting-edge technologies developed by BAE Systems.
Alongside the transformed hangar, the Museum will also deliver:
A major engagement programme that will harness the power of RAF heritage todeliver a range of creative, wellbeing and skills development activities
A purpose-built Collections Hub, enabling the Museum’s stored collection to be brought on site and opened to the public for the first time
A new public realm providing spaces for outdoor learning, activities, and picnicking, while increasing biodiversity
Maggie Appleton, RAF Museum CEO, said:
‘The RAF Museum is hugely grateful to BAE Systems for their significant investment and continued commitment to helping us transform how we share the RAF story. Our ambitious redevelopment programme will explore the Royal Air Force’s enduring impact on global aviation, innovation, and defence, while bringing to life the personal stories of those who have served, in powerful and engaging ways. This support will play a vital role in ensuring the Museum remains a place of inspiration, learning and remembrance for generations to come.’
Sir Stuart Atha, Director of Defence Capability, BAE Systems, said:
‘As a proud and long-standing supporter of the Armed Forces, we are delighted to help fund the RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. This is an initiative that will help tell the story of the RAF and through outreach programmes inspire current and future generations. Having worked alongside the RAF throughout their history, we are honoured to help preserve our common heritage and are proud to support those who serve and protect us.’
Work on the hangar redevelopment and wider transformation programme will begin later this year, with completion expected by summer 2027. The project has been made possible with the support of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Royal Air Force, 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.
Celebrate the start of a new chapter for the RAF Museum Midlands!
Strap in for an unforgettable day out! The RAF Museum Midlands is inviting families from across the region to take part in The Big Lift Off, a spectacular free event celebrating the start of an exciting site-wide transformation.
Taking place on Saturday 31 May, The Big Lift Off event will see thrilling aerial displays and lively ground activities for all ages. Look to the skies for a jaw-dropping skydiving display and awe-inspiring flypast, while on the ground, enjoy toe-tapping live music, sizzling BBQs, and interactive family games – and the best part, entry is completely FREE!
The Big Lift Off event highlights:
A spectacular Lancaster flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (weather permitting)
A dramatic skydiving display, with parachutists landing in the Museum grounds (weather permitting)
Live music from the RAF Cosford Pipes and Drums, a vintage 1940s crooner, and the RAF Cosford Voluntary Band
Step aboard the legendary Chinook ‘Bravo November’, a rare opportunity not to be missed!
Family activities galore including rocket car races, mystery prize games, photo booths with RAF uniforms and more
Be the first to see exciting new artefacts being delivered on the day via skydivers, bicycles, vintage vehicles, and on foot!
Soak up the atmosphere with BBQ and ice cream stands.
The Big Lift Off event isn’t just a great family day out, it also marks the launch of the Museum’s new fundraising appeal – The Crate Escape. This appeal will help raise the final funds needed for the exciting new redevelopment plans that include a brand-new Collections Hub at the Museum. Once completed, the new hub will house over 50,000 historic objects, making them accessible to the public for the first time.
As part of The Big Lift Off celebrations, visitors can witness the first wave of these objects begin their journey from off-site storage at MOD Stafford to the Museum, travelling across the Midlands by every means imaginable – including by parachute! These treasured items will be delivered in style by skydivers, vintage vehicles, cyclists, and even on foot. A special selection will be unveiled at the event, going on temporary display, offering visitors an exclusive first look at the Museum’s stored collection.
In addition to all the excitement of The Big Lift Off activities, both in the air and on the ground, the Museum will be open for visitors to explore a collection of more than 80 historic aircraft and enjoy flying entertainment for the whole family with flight simulators, an airfield inspired playground, interactive exhibits and more.
Pre-book your free tickets to the Big Lift Off event now at rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am, with free admission.
Work on the Museum’s major transformation will begin later this year, with completion expected in 2027 – made possible thanks to a number of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.
This May half term, the RAF Museum Midlands invites families to step back in time during World War Two Week, runningfrom 24 May to 1 June. Packed with immersive experiences, hands-on workshops, and creative wartime crafts, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a fun-filled family day out, while learning about one of the most extraordinary chapters in British history.
Step into the shoes of wartime families during Raid the Shelter experience, where visitors will explore a real Anderson Shelter, build a paper model version to take home, then dress up in period clothing and take part in a simulated air raid — complete with a dramatic and authentic soundscape for a truly immersive experience.
Join in the Lego Racers activity, where children can build their own World War Two-inspired vehicles and race them down a track using the power of balloons. The Campaign Posterart activity is perfect for budding artists, where they can design their own posters inspired by vintage propaganda art. Gather the family together and strike a pose at the Dress-Up Drill Sergeant Selfie Station wearing authentic wartime attire.
As you explore the Museum hangars, listen in to Audio Stories told by the charming Antis the Dog and Percy the Penguin, accessible via QR codes throughout the Museum. Join the Spy-Hunter Trail, where young code-breakers are called into action to track down stolen aircraft plans hidden somewhere in the Museum. Solve the clues correctly and earn your mission badge!
Plus, don’t miss the incredible collection of miniature aircraft and vehicle models from the Aero Space and Vehicle Club Wombourne IPMS, showcasing engineering marvels of the Second World War.
But that’s not all! The RAF Museum Midlands is also home to iconic aircraft from the period, including the world’s oldest Spitfire. Families can also enjoy a Pilot experience by climbing into an exact replica Spitfire cockpit section, or by popping on VR goggles and taking a flight in 360° as you pilot a real Spitfire in a thrilling virtual reality experience.
With free entry to the Museum and small charges between £0-£5 for selected activities, this is a brilliant and budget-friendly day out that promises fun for all ages. For full details and to book activities in advance, visit rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.
The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire has launched its first ever crowdfunding campaign!
The much-loved Museum which recently won the Silver Award for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Beautiful South Awards, installed an Apache AH Mk.1 attack helicopter on permanent display last year, making it the only Museum in the UK that the public can see this formidable aircraft.
The exhibit has been a popular one at the Hampshire Museum, with record visitor numbers achieved in 2024/25 following the installation. However, the Museum now needs to update their popular ‘Helicopters in Action’ audio-visual display. They have been working with the fantastic team at Ay-Pe to create an exciting digital experience that showcases the fascinating development of the Army’s armed and attack helicopters with the Apache front and centre.
The Museum is hoping to raise the funds it needs to make the new display a reality. Half the funds have already been secured, and the Crowdfunding campaign has got off to a great start with a generous donation of £5000 from the Army Air Corps Charity.
Lucy Johnson, Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum said: “It has taken over a decade for the Museum to install an Apache and we are delighted to have been the first museum in the UK to have done so. The next challenge of bringing our audio-visual display up to date and truly showcase the development of these amazing aircraft is really exciting and we can’t wait to see the finished product. We hope that our visitors and supporters will get behind this and help us to achieve our fundraising target and get themselves a limited-edition gift too!”
Members of the public are encouraged to donate online to access some unique rewards designed by Runway25, a business created by Army veteran and former Apache technician, Tom Newey who said: “As a former aircraft technician with 3 Regt AAC, I actually owe my business to the Apache and the opportunities that being part of the AHF gave me. A chance encounter in 2014 led to me starting the business that eventually became Runway25. As a company, we are honoured to be working with the Army Flying Museum to help them raise funds for the display of ZJ224 which is such a special aircraft in AAC history.”
LLA recreates archive photo to celebrate 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day
London Luton Airport (LLA) and Cadets from the 10F Luton Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) have celebrated VE Day by welcoming a classic Miles Magister aircraft to the airport.
The two-seat Miles Magister, a key training aircraft for the Royal Air Force during the 1930s and 1940s, flew into LLA from nearby Shuttleworth Aerodrome.
The arrival of the Miles Magister, affectionally known as the ‘Maggie’, provided an opportunity to recreate a memorable photograph from the airport’s past*, depicting local ATC Cadets alongside the aircraft at LLA, a Royal Air Force base during the Second World War.
Neil Thompson, Chief Operations Officer at London Luton Airport, commented: “The original image of the Miles Magister at LLA captured an important period in the airport’s rich history and it was a pleasure to welcome the Cadets from 10F Luton Squadron to recreate such a magical moment. LLA has been on quite a journey since the photo was taken, from opening as a small airfield in 1938 to its position as a thriving airport, welcoming millions of passengers each year. We are extremely proud of the airport’s past and it was an honour to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the Second World War generation in this way.”
The plane was flown to the airport by Scott Butler, an easyJet pilot based at LLA, and a volunteer pilot at Shuttleworth. Scott commented: “The opportunity to fly the Miles Magister from Shuttleworth to London Luton Airport was simply too good to miss. I started my flying as an Air Cadet before serving in the Royal Air Force, so flying the Maggie has many links for me. The Cadets were a pleasure to meet and we were thrilled that they were all as enthusiastic about the aircraft as their predecessors from all those years ago.”
Charlemagne Kirk, one of the visiting Cadets, added: “We all feel immensely privileged to have been invited to get a close look at a working Miles Magister and for the opportunity to come together with London Luton Airport and Shuttleworth to recreate such an important moment from 10F Luton Squadron history.”
VE Day will also see 1940s vocal harmony trio, The Femmes, entertaining passengers at LLA with their vintage repertoire that includes songs from artists such as Vera Lynn and The Andrews Sisters.
The Miles Magister will be on display at the Shuttleworth Military Air Show on 31 May.
On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, The National Lottery Heritage Fund announces major funding to celebrate the heritage of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines and safeguard it for future generations
20 million people in the UK have direct connections with the RAF – RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford awarded £9.3m for a wide-ranging Engagement Programme, national exhibition, learning centre, collections hub and enhanced public realm
The Royal Marines have a history spanning 360 years – National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth awarded £4.4m to transform historic boathouse and create a dedicated Royal Marines Experience
Today, Thursday 8 May, The National Lottery Heritage Fund announces funding of £13.7m for plans to transform the RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford and to transform a historic boathouse and create a Royal Marines Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The news comes on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which will see events take place across the UK to commemorate those who served in the Second World War and remember how the UK marked the moment in 1945.
Royal Air Force and Royal Marines personnel played essential roles during the Second World War demonstrating extreme bravery and sacrifice as they helped deliver Allied victory. Objects and stories from the period form a key part of the two museums’ collections and displays.
The RAF Museum Midlands is home to the world’s oldest Spitfire and exhibitions exploring the Battle of Britain and Bomber Command. The National Museum of the Royal Navy’ D-Day Museum is the guardian of LCT 7074, the last surviving landing craft tank from D-Day, just one of the many sea-based operations the Royal Marines were involved in during the Second World War.
Today’s National Lottery investment will support plans to transform how the RAF’s 100+ year story is shared and to create a display telling the 360-year story of the Royal Marines.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“As people across the UK mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, it is evident that the legacy of the Second World War and our armed forces are a key part of our historical narrative.
“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are delighted to help safeguard and share the heritage of the Royal Air Force and Royal Marines for people to learn from for generations to come.
“The funding will unlock the doors to hidden collections, explore new perspectives on the history and future of the RAF and Royal Marines and create fantastic opportunities for people and tourism in Cosford, Gosport and beyond.
“Crucially, these projects will help new audiences to discover, draw inspiration from and forge connections with the stories of the RAF and Royal Marines, helping to ensure the heritage is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”
The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands has been awarded £9,286,778 by the Heritage Fund for its Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme.
The RAF Museum is the guardian of a national collection that spans over a century of RAF history, capturing every aspect of RAF life. Yet, today, less than 1% of this inspiring heritage is accessible to the public. A new Collections Hub at the Museum’s Midlands site will unlock the doors to stored objects for the first time, enabling public access to artefacts of regional, national and international importance.
During the Second World War, RAF Cosford played a vital role in training engineers and delivering Spitfires built in the Midlands. The National Lottery supported programme will redevelop a 1930s hangar as a new exhibition and Learning Centre,
continuing this legacy of skills building, with a focus on STEM, geography, art and design.
A new exhibition will explore the critical role of the Royal Air Force since 1980.
Visitors will discover how the RAF’s mission continues today and imagine how the service will adapt in the future as it delivers 24/7 Air, Land, Maritime, Space and Cyber defence.
The transformation extends beyond the buildings. A new public realm will provide spaces for outdoor events, learning, rest and relaxation. A three-year multi-strand Engagement Programme will offer activities onsite, offsite and online.
It is estimated that 20 million people in the UK have direct connections with the RAF. This project will protect that heritage and enable future generations to explore and draw inspiration from the remarkable RAF story.
Maggie Appleton, CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum, said:
“Warm thanks on behalf of all our team to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to all National Lottery players. This very generous support will enable us to engage with our communities and wider partners to care for and share our collections and their fascinating stories in new, ambitious and creative ways.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to the RAF Museum Midlands on Saturday 31 May to celebrate the project launch and find out how to get involved in a packed day of activity with a special Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast.
“To find out more about the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme and how you can get involved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands.”
Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng, Chief of the Air Staff, said:
“Development of the Museum’s Midlands site is strategically important to the Royal Air Force. The opportunities to improve our STEM outreach together, improve our exposure in a very diverse community, and improve how we tell the compelling story of our recent history are vitally important. The Royal Air Force is therefore delighted to support this development.”
The National Museum of the Royal Navy has been awarded £4.4m to for its plans to establish The Royal Marines Experience Museum in Portsmouth.
The Royal Marines are the nation’s elite amphibious force who deploy at sea and on land, around the globe, in peace and in war. The new display will take visitors on a compelling journey through four centuries of Royal Marines history – from the creation of its forerunner in 1664 to today.
The amazing objects, exhibitions, galleries and hands-on experiences will inspire by showcasing remarkable personal stories, immense teamwork and qualities of resilience that can help us all navigate today’s complex and often demanding world.
Visitors will be able to follow the story across the ground floor of Boathouse 6, choosing to explore through an active immersive route and / or through an object rich multi-media exploration of the history of the Corps. The intention is that the story of the Royal Marines will be told in a truly active and engaging way, enabling visitors not only to learn about who the Royal Marines are (past and present), but also inviting them to partake in a number of tasks designed to give a taste of the level of physical and mental fitness required to do the job. Displays and their content will draw on examples past and present and will put the Royal Marines ethos at the heart of the story.
The Boathouse 6 project, which will cost c£15million in total, will also house a new dedicated Special Exhibition Gallery and Royal Marines themed Laser Quest. This new extraordinary, compelling and flexible space inside the historic former boathouse and overlooking the Scheduled Monument and Grade II* Listed Mast Pond will measure 400m2 and will be one of the biggest temporary exhibition spaces in the South of England. This will enable the Museum to stage temporary exhibitions that refresh the offer at the Historic Dockyard and can attract new and different audiences, create opportunities for wider partnership working and explore a wide range of arts, culture and heritage narratives.
Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE ADC First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff said in his letter of support for the project:
“The Royal Navy places great value on the importance of tradition and preserving our heritage for future generations. The Royal Marines story of daring, duty and sacrifice deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The new museum will showcase what makes a Royal Marine, illustrating their prestigious history from their origins in 1664 to the Commando Force of the next generation. It will also be a place for celebration, commemoration, and reflection in the city of Portsmouth, a place steeped in rich naval history. I am certain that funds allocated to this project will be utilised most effectively to make a positive and lasting contribution to our local community.”
Matthew Sheldon CEO of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said: “This generous support from the National Lottery and its players marks a major milestone in the delivery of an innovative approach to sharing the incredible stories of our service community. It is apt that we make this announcement on VE Day – as we reflect on the contribution of our veteran community 80 years ago. The idea of the ‘Commando’ was born in the dark days of 1940, and has been shaped and re-shaped by the Royal Marines Commandos in the last 80 years. Our project will have a particular focus on this recent history and seek to bring the endeavour, courage and conflict inherent in those stories to life through modern interpretative and digital techniques that enable us to speak to diverse and wide-ranging audiences.”
