Express & Star

Lancaster flypast and concert will celebrate armed forces in Cosford

A concert and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster flypast will take place at Cosford's RAF Museum later this month.

Published
A BBMF Lancaster. Credit: Terry Lee

The event on June 30 will celebrate the contributions made by Her Majesty's armed forces.

The highly decorated Glebe Symphonic Winds Orchestra will be performing for veterans, serving personnel and visitors alike, in a special one hour concert celebrating the RAF’s centenary.

This intimate musical performance will include classical pieces with everything from ‘Their Finest Hour’ by Nigel Clarke, ‘The Dam Busters’ by Eric Coates, to ‘The Royal Air Force March Past’ by Walford Davies and many more.

The concert will take place in the museum's National Cold War Exhibition Auditorium with seating for up to 200 guests.

It is free but places are limited and anyone interested in attending is asked to pre-register via the museum’s website in order to guarantee their place.

Concert ticket holders will also receive a 10 per cent discount voucher for the RAF museum shop, redeemable on the day.

The annual Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to our heroes past and present, including current serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets.

In addition to performances from one of the UK’s leading orchestras, organisers have lined-up a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster at 3.35pm, weather permitting.

This icon of the Second World War will be flying overhead at Cosford.

Nathan Davies, RAF Museum Cosford public events executive, said: “It’s an extra special Armed Forces Day this year with it being the RAF’s centenary year.

"We are thrilled that the Glebe Symphonic Winds Orchestra will be returning for this year’s event, they are always really popular with our visitors, veterans and serving personnel.

"The day will be supported by two local cadet squadrons who will be welcoming visitors and helping families create their own Armed Forces Day flags.

"A real highlight of the day will be the BBMF Lancaster flypast which will be a poignant end to the days activities.”

Families can also take part in a free craft activity whereby youngsters can colour in and make their own Armed Forces Day flags.

All materials will be provided and children get to take their flags home as a memento of their day.

The museum’s on-site caterers Kudos will be offering veterans, serving personnel and their families a special Armed Forces Day ploughman’s lunch.

Guests will dine in a reserved area in the refuel restaurant overlooking the museum grounds.

Tables must be booked in advance by emailing whatson-cosford@rafmuseum.org

Tickets on the day will be subject to availability.

The concert is at 1.45pm on June 30.

Visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford for more information.