A Spitfire flypast will mark a city museum's events to celebrate the marvels of the World War II aircraft and help raise money to restore its own flying ace.
The flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will see the Spitfire in the city’s skies and over the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery at 2:45pm on Saturday September 8, 2012.
It will coincide with events on the ground at the museum including wartime songs and entertainment and a display of models from Meir and North Staffordshire modelling clubs between 10:30am and 4:30pm.
The celebrated historian Guy de la Bedoyere from Time Team will also be presenting a lecture in the museum theatre at 3pm entitled Digging up the Air War. Guy specialises in aircraft archaeology and will be discussing the history of downed aircraft and the personal histories of the pilots.
The museum is holding the event to raise funds for the restoration of the city’s Mark XVI Spitfire aircraft.
Councillor Mark Meredith, cabinet member for economic development, culture and sport, said: “The Spitfire is a famous and hugely recognised symbol of this countries effort during the war to stop the Nazi advance. Its links to the city is something we are incredibly proud of and we want to do everything in our power to ensure that the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery’s own Spitfire remains in good condition for everyone to enjoy and be proud of.”
Guests will also have the chance to enter the museum’s Best of British competition.
Tickets for the talk are £5. Call the museum on 01782 232323 or email melanie.firman@stoke.gov.uk to book a place.
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Notes:
The flypast is scheduled for 2.45pm rather than 6:45pm as previously advertised but is subject to change, call the museum
for up to date timings.
For all media enquiries contact Steven Kennedy in the Communications Department at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 01782 232987.