Paul Hudson-knight - 22 August 2025

Spitfire flypasts launch Battle of Britain celebrations

Paul Hudson-knight - 22 August 2025

• BBMF Spitfire Flypasts: 13 September at 1.25pm / 14 September at 2.00pm
• Battle of Britain Big Weekend: 20–21 September, £9 Adult, £6 Concession (under 16s / 65+)
• Battle of Britain Proms: Evenings of 20–21 September, £24 Adult, £20 Concession (under 16s / 65+)

The RAF Museum Midlands is set to honour the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain this September with two weekends of unmissable events.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast Spitfire

On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September visitors will be treated to a spectacular flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire as it soars over the Museum grounds.

Scheduled for 1.25pm on Saturday and 2.00pm on Sunday (weather permitting), these special flypasts will honour the “The Few” and all those who stood together during Britain’s darkest hour.

The commemorations continue with the Battle of Britain Big Weekend on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September. This two-day community event featuring live entertainment, interactive family workshops, street food and drink, and poignant moments of remembrance is suitable for visitors of all ages. Delivered in partnership with the Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council, the weekend will celebrate the contribution of more than 16 nations who united in the fight for freedom.

Sit in a replica Spitfire Cockpit

On the entertainment stage, visitors can expect a packed programme of music, dance, and spoken word. Enjoy drumming performances from Hit the Dhol, traditional Polish folk song and dance from Wiesniacy, and bringing a touch of the Caribbean to Cosford is Sofia Steel Drum Entertainment. Also taking to the stage over the weekend is vocalist Kateryna Pryima, poet John Gallas, along with performances from the vibrant Chinese dance group Culturekind. There’s something to captivate audiences at every moment.

Chinese Dance Group Culture Kind

The Battle of Britain Big Weekend promises to deliver plenty of activities perfect for the whole family. Put your skills to the test in the paper plane competition or take on the basketball challenges. Get crafty with aircraft art, badge making activities, and henna tattoos. Or pop on your flying hat and goggles and step into a replica Spitfire cockpit for a truly memorable experience.

Soak up the atmosphere while indulging in food from a range of street food vendors, serving up everything from stonebaked pizzas, and slow cooked meat Bento Boxes, to vegan delights and a British carvery. All washed down with a glass of fizz from a champagne fire truck and a well-stocked bar.

Hit the Dhol

Also attending the event will be the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, along with local makers and producers exhibiting a wide range of artisan products, from handcrafted fashion to unique artwork and much more!

Mike Groves, Public Events Manager at RAF Museum Midlands said:
‘We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Museum this September as we commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Alongside two spectacular flypasts, visitors can enjoy a weekend filled with live entertainment, family activities, and moments of reflection. There will be something for everyone to enjoy as we come together to honour the heroes of 1940 and the many nations who stood alongside them.’

The celebrations will reach a rousing finale as the sun sets on the evening of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September with the Battle of Britain Proms, featuring West End and Broadway sensation, Kerry Ellis. During this stirring open-air concert audiences will be treated to three hours of toe-tapping tunes and patriotic classics, paired with food, fizz and poignant moments of reflection.

Members of the Public enjoying our last Proms

Visit the RAF Museum Midlands this September and join in the Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary celebrations. In addition to the event offerings, visitors can also get up close to aircraft including the World’s oldest Spitfire and a Hurricane, alongside other aircraft types from the Battle of Britain.

For more event details and to pre-book your tickets visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. Tickets to the Battle of Britain Big Weekend are £9 adult (16+), £6 concession (under 16s / 65+). Tickets to the Battle of Britain Proms are £24 adult (16+), £20 concession (under 16s / 65+).