Kent celebrates 100 years of the RAF with RAF100

This Easter Sunday heralds the 100-year anniversary of the RAF and we have a variety of RAF100 events going on across Kent to celebrate.

On April 1^st 2018 the Royal Air Force will be celebrating the centenary with the RAF100 campaign and there will be events all across the nation to mark the occasion. The RAF100 campaign will last throughout the year, with the centrepiece event taking place on 10 July 2018. That will be a centenary service in Westminster Abbey, followed by a parade in The Mall and mass flypast. It is taking place in July instead of April as the actual anniversary lands on Easter Sunday and many felt it would not be appropriate to hold the event then. So they are holding the event exactly 100 days after the anniversary.

100 years of the RAF & Kent

On 1st April 1918, following the amalgamation of squadrons; personnel of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service; the Royal Air Force became the world’s very first independent air force.

And right here in Kent we can boast of having the first official airfield. Leysdown, near Shellbeach, on the Isle of Sheppey has the honour. But it was Manston, in the First World War, that Royal Naval Air Service pilots were taking off from to  help repel the menace of German Zeppelins on their way to attack London.

Ever since then, Kent and the RAF have been intertwined with war time exploits, especially at Manston, Hawkinge and Biggin Hill, all of which have admirable museums open to the public.

 

See below for events happening in Kent to celebrate the RAF100:

Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum:

01 Apr 2018

Join us at the Spitfire Museum for a fun-filled day to celebrate 100 years of the RAF’s proud history! In addition to the centenary of the RAF, the Spitfire Museum is also celebrating the official launch of the long-anticipated Spitfire Simulator!

Here’s just a few highlights of what you’ll be able to see and enjoy:
• A static, full size, Mk IX Spitfire.
• The amazing singing trio, The Bluebird Belles.
• A re-enactment of an ATS searchlight division post.
• Open Cockpits at the RAF Manston History Museum.
• Tank rides.
• Weather permitting, a flypast by the Spirit of Kent Mk IX Spitfire.
• And much more…

The event is entirely free 

 

Hornby Visitors Centre: 24 hr sponsored modelling marathon:

The Hornby Visitor Centre will be hosting a sponsored 24 hour marathon model building session over the weekend of 31st March to the 1st April as part of nationwide celebrations to mark the centenary anniversary of the Royal Air Force on the 1st April 2018. There will modelling clubs here building for 24 hours straight from 10am on Saturday 31st March to 10am on Sunday 1st April.
Want to be part of it? Hornby are offering 2 hour building sessions throughout the day on the 31st March so that you can be part of this marathon build too!
As a sponsored event, they will be raising money for charity and have chosen The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the local Rainbow Ward Children’s Unit at the QEQM as the charities to be supported.
If you would like to be part of this huge event, go in and sign up for one of the 2 hour build sessions. You must be 8 or over to apply. See Terms and Conditions, ask in store for details.

See the flyer below for more details or see the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/787018434824168/

 

 

RAF 100 parade in Maidestone

Easter Sunday, 10.15am

This Easter Sunday, we’ll be looking to the skies to celebrate the official centenary of the RAF. Bringing together the Mayor, Airforce veterans, contemporary representatives of the RAF and the residents of Maidstone, a ceremony and speeches will take place to mark a hundred years of tradition and active service.
There’ll be a performance from the Ditton Squadron band, followed by the formal raising of the Ensign on the flag pole.

To mark the occasion , join them in Jubilee Square from 10.15am, or tune in to their Facebook live stream of the event at www.facebook.com/maidstoneboroughcouncil

 

Even the Thanet Beer Festival this year has chosen to mark the occasion on their posters.

Thanet Beer Festival 2018
Friday 30 March – Saturday 31 March  at the Margate Winter Gardens.

Showcasing the finest products from brewers and cider makers from all over the UK and beyond.

Over 200 real ales, ciders and perries including a specially brewed festival beer, hot and cold food, souvenir glasses and live entertainment.

Remember, use public transport or taxi. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

ID is required if you look under 25 to purchase alcohol.

Accompanied children are welcome to visit up to 7pm.

Tickets: £5 Friday, £3 Saturday, Entry both days Free to Card Carrying CAMRA members

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Later in the year there is an event at Headcorn Aerodrome, among other events happening across the country.

 

‘Aero Legends Battle of Britain Air Show”

30th June – 1st July, 2018.

After the huge success of last year’s event, organisers of the Spectacular are pleased to be bringing the show back to Headcorn Aerodrome, set in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside.

The show will be commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 100th year since the RAF was formed. Joining the show will be Cadets from across the county as well as serving officers and veterans. With flights throughout the day, the main displays will take place between midday and 3:30pm. This year’s show will feature more aircraft with multiple Spitfires and Hurricanes and attendance from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). Along with attractions for all the family including; a funfair, stalls, un-rivalled choreographed air displays and flight experiences; this really will be an event not to miss.

See the Aerodromes events page for more information: https://www.aerolegends.co.uk/events/

 

For more information on the Royal Air Force RAF100 campaign please follow the hashtag #RAF100 or go to their website: https://www.raf.mod.uk/raf100/

 

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