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

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.

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).

When the suspended aircraft at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands need a spring clean, it calls for a specialist team of dustbusters with a head for heights to carry out the work!

Suspended from the ceiling, up to 100ft in the air, eight aircraft including a Vulcan bomber, will all be given a light dusting this week as part of the annual clean and inspection. Other aircraft being spruced up include a Canberra, Meteor, Sabre, Hunter, Lightning, Dakota and Javelin.

Strapped into harnesses and with nerves of steel, the specialist cleaning team climb the rafters of the building and abseil down to access the aircraft. No cleaning solutions are used on the aircraft, just a good dusting using large soft fibre mops. In addition to cleaning the aircraft, the team will also be inspecting the suspension cables supporting the aircraft in their flying display positions.

Tom Hopkins, Curator at RAF Museum Midlands said:
‘The Museums commitment to preserving objects within our collection extends beyond mere display. It involves each aircraft and vehicle undergoing a regular inspection by our skilled Technicians and Volunteers. However, when it comes to the aircraft suspended from the ceiling of our National Cold War Exhibition, a unique challenge emerges. These iconic aircraft, reach up to 100 feet in places, and navigating such dizzying heights requires a specialist team equipped with the necessary skills and equipment.’

During the clean the Museum will remain open to visitors who can see the high-flying team from Rappel, industrial rope access specialists, in action.

The Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition features 19 aircraft, tanks, vehicles, models and memorabilia, and is the only place in the world where people can view all three British V-Bombers, the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant, together and under one roof.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free. Pre-book your arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands in 2024:

This year, visitors to the RAF Museum Midlands can expect to see some brand-new additions to the events calendar.

A D-Day Weekend in June filled with live music and entertainment will commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Flying Theatre shows will dazzle audiences on the stage and in the air, with daily shows in a pop-up amphitheatre during the six-week summer break! And Spies Week during October half term will see families taking part in Cold War espionage activities and spy shows.

RAF Museum Public Events Executive, Amy Bertaut said:
‘We’ve got an exciting events programme planned this year. Families can enjoy themed activities during each school break in addition to exploring the Museum’s vast collection of aircraft and interactive displays. We’ll be kick-starting the events programme in February half term with Sky’s the Limit, where we’ll be exploring RAF stories through a series of shows, storytelling, and trails. Families visiting us during Easter can enjoy a fortnight of all things STEM with our Space, Race and Fly! event, featuring science shows, a planetarium, and drone races. There really is something for everyone.’

The Museum will hold the annual Remembrance Service in November supported by RAF Cosford personnel and the Cosford Military Wives Choir. In December, the Royal Elf Force will be returning to the Museum with more Elf Cadet Training, where new recruits will take on festive challenges and help Santa with his biggest mission of the year!

For further information on any of the events taking place at the RAF Museum Midlands throughout 2024, visit 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.

www.rafmuseum.org

Date: Sunday 12 November
Time: 10.30am arrival / 10.45am service commences
Cost: FREE (pre-booking required)

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands will hold a Service of Remembrance on Sunday 12 November, paying respect to members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty.

Visitors are invited to join the service, led by RAF Cosford Senior Station Chaplain Craig Lancaster, and reflect on the sacrifices made by service personnel. A marching contingent from No 1 Radio School, RAF Cosford will begin the proceedings, the service will include readings, hymns and the sounding of ‘The Last Post’, followed by a two minute silence.

Those attending will enjoy hymns throughout the service courtesy of the Cosford Military Wives Choir, and poems read aloud by local children. Wreaths will be laid by representatives from the Museum, RAF Cosford, and the Cosford Military Wives Choir, in honour of those who have fallen in the line of duty.

The Remembrance Service will take place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 against a backdrop of aircraft, and free tickets for up to 450 guests are available to book in advance at rafmuseum.org/midlands. Access without a ticket may not be possible. Visitors are politely requested to assemble no later than 10.30am ready for the Service to commence at 10.45am. Visitors are also encouraged to take time to explore the Museum at their own leisure after the service.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free. Discover more about the Museum and pre-book your arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org.

RAF Museum Midlands Volunteer Roy Martin has been honoured in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2023 and presented with his MBE by HRH The Prince of Wales in a ceremony held at Windsor Castle.

The long-serving volunteer was given the honour at a formal investiture ceremony on Tuesday 4 October, where he received his insignia, in the presence of his wife and two sons.

The King’s Birthday Honours mark the extraordinary contributions of people across the UK, for their outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact. Colleagues at the RAF Museum are delighted to see Roy awarded an MBE for his services and commitment to the heritage sector, and this award is a celebration of his decades of volunteering.

Roy first volunteered at the Museum 50 years ago as Curator. After four years he returned to his engineering roots, overseeing the engineering volunteer team who support the Museum’s Technicians and Apprentices to maintain the aircraft and keep them looking their best. Prior to joining the Museum, Roy served in the RAF for 22 years as Chief Technician, including nine years at RAF Cosford.

On receiving his MBE, RAF Museum Volunteer, Roy Martin said:
‘I was over the moon when I received my letter from Buckingham Palace back in June, informing me I was on The King’s Birthday Honours List. It was a long but exciting wait until October when I was invited to Windsor Castle to receive my medal, accompanied by my wife and our two sons.

It wasn’t until we arrived at the Castle that we were told The Prince of Wales would be awarding my medal at the investiture ceremony. This seemed special, with me being Welsh, and his association with the RAF. He was dressed in his RAF uniform which I thought was very appropriate for the background to my award. He mentioned my 50 years work at the RAF Museum and that he had visited the Museum several times. It was a very sociable, relaxed and enjoyable few moments that I will never forget.

After the ceremony we strolled through the grounds and took lots of family photos. Bits of the day keep coming back in my thoughts – I will never forget what a wonderful experience we had.’

On his time volunteering at the RAF Museum, Roy added:
‘Being involved in the evolution of the RAF Museum over the past 50 years has been an amazing experience. I find it very rewarding when I see the public admiring the exhibit condition maintained by my group of volunteers.’

RAF Museum CEO, Maggie Appleton said:
‘The whole Museum team is absolutely thrilled for Roy. He is a brilliant engineer and problem-solver and, even more important, he supports all of us with his warmth and generosity of spirit. We are so fortunate at the Museum to be blessed with brilliant volunteers, and Roy’s award is a very fitting and much deserved tribute.’

The RAF Museum is open daily from 10.00am and entry is free. For more information visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.

Aviation Photography Workshop
(Beginners)

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands/whats-going-on/events/aviation-photography-workshop-beginners/

07 October 2023 – £85 per person (incl. lunch and parking)

Capture your greatest shots – sign up for the Aviation Photography Workshop at the RAF Museum!

This full-day course is a great opportunity for photographers of every level to enhance your current set of skills. Whether you are just starting out, or you’ve already got some experience – this hands-on course will give you the chance to learn, plan, execute and develop as aviation photographers.

Learn more about the theory behind aviation photography and useful tips and tricks before you put your skills to the test in a range of settings, scenarios and cameos in and around the RAF Museum. Get up close to some of our most iconic aircrafts and discover the new layout of our War in The Air and Test Flight Hangar, including the new Bomber Command exhibition. We will also be joined by a period reenactor at your disposal to pose next to some of the aircraft to add an interesting twist. Learn more about the theory behind aviation photography and useful tips and tricks before you put your skills to the test in a range of settings, scenarios and cameos in and around the RAF Museum.

Participants will be provided exclusive access to the War in the Air Hangar and the Bomber Command exhibition for one hour after the Museum closes to use their newly acquired photography skills to capture the unique atmosphere of the building and its aircrafts.

Aviation Photography Workshop
(Advanced)

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands/whats-going-on/events/aviation-photography-workshop-advanced/

08 October 2023 – £85 per person (incl. lunch and parking)

Capture your greatest shots – sign up for the Aviation Photography Workshop at the RAF Museum!

This full-day course is a great opportunity for photographers who have already got some experience or have attended previous photography workshops. This hands-on course will give you the chance to learn, plan, execute and develop as aviation photographers.

Learn more about the theory behind aviation photography and useful tips and tricks before you put your skills to the test in a range of settings, scenarios and cameos in and around the RAF Museum. Get up close to some of our most iconic aircrafts and discover the new layout of our War in The Air and Test Flight Hangar, including the new Bomber Command exhibition. We will also be joined by a period reenactor at your disposal to pose next to some of the aircraft to add an interesting twist.

Participants will be provided exclusive access to the Test Flight Hangar for one hour after the Museum closes to use their newly acquired photography skills to capture the unique atmosphere of the building and its aircrafts

Marking the 80th anniversary of the famous ‘Dambusters’ raid, a new permanent exhibition, ‘Strike Hard, Strike Sure: Bomber Command 1939–1945’ is now open at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands.

Featuring the newly restored Vickers Wellington bomber, Guy Gibson’s Victoria Cross, and new arrival the Bristol Blenheim, discover how the RAF’s Bomber Command took the war to the enemy. The new interactive displays tell the wider Bomber Command story, exploring stories of the crew, technology and raids that were crucial to Allied victory.

At the centre of the new exhibition is the Wellington B Mk X bomber, one of only two remaining examples, and on display for the first time in the Midlands after more than a decade of conservation work. The Wellington was widely used as a night bomber in the early years of the Second World War, and by 1942 Wellingtons were the most numerous aircraft in Bomber Command. They began to be replaced by more capable four-engined heavy bombers such as Halifaxes and Lancasters but continued to operate with Bomber Command as a training aircraft. The Wellington’s rear turret is displayed alongside the aircraft, allowing visitors to peer inside the fuselage and view its famous geodetic structure designed by Barnes Wallis. Interactive displays around the Wellington focus on the roles of the five-strong crew, their extraordinary service and the close bonds they developed when flying together.

On display for the first time in the Midlands is the Bristol Blenheim Mk IV, a light bomber and night fighter. Although Blenheims were faster than other RAF fighters when they entered service in 1937, by the start of the war they proved to be too slow and lightly armed to defend themselves adequately. As a result, they suffered high casualty rates. With no surviving RAF Blenheims, this Royal Canadian Air Force example represents aircraft of No.139 Squadron, the first RAF squadron to undertake an operational mission in the Second World War.

Personal artefacts from the Museum’s collection are now on display, many for the first time, sharing the stories of RAF aircrew and groundcrew, including Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s Victoria Cross and medal bar. Gibson received the medal for his leadership of No. 617 Squadron, The Dambusters, on their first operation over Germany, the daring Dams raid of 17 May 1943. He completed an astonishing 177 operations and was awarded the Victoria Cross as recognition of the leadership, determination and valour he demonstrated throughout his career. Other artefacts featuring in the new display include a collection of aircraft nose art, flying suits, aircrew lucky charms, uniforms and caps, log books, and post-raid reconnaissance photographs. Some of the innovative technical developments which supported Bomber Command to deliver their mission are represented through items including Barnes Wallis’s bouncing bomb test models and sketch.

People stories are at the heart of the Bomber Command storytelling. Men and women from across the world, on the ground and in the air, played a part. Throughout the exhibition, silhouettes depict the stories of individuals who played crucial roles, like that of Squadron Leader Ulric Cross DSO DFC. Born in Trinidad, Ulric Cross enlisted in the RAF in 1941 and trained as a navigator. He flew Pathfinder sorties on Mosquitos and completed 80 operations, his proficiency and skill leading to his award of both the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Of around 6,000 volunteers who came to the UK from the Caribbean to support the war effort, 450 were aircrew and 360 of these flew with Bomber Command.

Interactive elements of the display will encourage participation from visitors of all ages. Learn about ordnance, navigation, protecting the bombers, pathfinders, and an unpredictable enemy – the weather! A timeline shows the key activities of Bomber Command during the Second World War and illustrates how bomber aircraft and tactics changed. View animations, video footage and personal accounts in a series of videos. Have your say and contribute to the debate about the RAF’s contribution on the wall of reflection.

Other aircraft on display as part of the Bomber Command exhibition include; the de Havilland Mosquito, Junkers Ju 88, Messerschmitt Me 410, Focke-Wulf Fw 190, Messerschmitt Me 262, a section of a Short Stirling Mk III and a Tiger Moth in which many bomber pilots received their first flying experience. Interactive display panels allow visitors to delve deeper into the role of each aircraft including a view inside the cockpit. Displayed alongside the aircraft is a V-1 ‘doodlebug’ flying bomb and catapult ramp, and a V-2 supersonic ballistic missile.

The ‘Strike Hard, Strike Sure: Bomber Command 1939–1945’ exhibition is now open. The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry is free. Pre-book your arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.