Air museum’s stars get ready for their fans
THE National Museum of Flight is encouraging the public to come and see two of its most iconic aircraft as they mark significant milestones. This year is 60 years since the formation of the Red Arrows Display Team, and the museum’s 1980 Red Arrows Hawk T1A is marking 25 years since it flew in Red 1 position over Edinburgh for the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Scotland’s Concorde is also marking a major milestone, having arrived at the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian 20 years ago on April 19, 2004, following a 16-day journey across the UK. The British Airways aircraft was welcomed by cheering crowds and an RAF Tornado flypast, and the supersonic superstar has since been seen by more than 1.5 million people.
Other aircraft on display include a 1963 Avro Vulcan bomber, a 1952 de Havilland Comet and a Spitfire.
The National Museum of Flight has also revealed its programme of events and activities for the new season. Flying into the Future is running until April 5 and includes technical challenges and Civil Aviation Hangar tours as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival.
The popular Awesome Bricks Lego event runs June 15-16, where families will be able to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with hands-on building activities and challenges. And on August 31, a new all-day festival, 360 Fest, will feature cycle stunt team The Clan, circus displays and science activities. There is also the chance to hear about the work of the museum’s conservation team in a series of behind-the-scenes talks in the Conservation Hangar.
Outdoor Second World War features of the site are also currently being conserved, including an air raid shelter and a blast shelter, and they can be explored by visitors later in the year.
Steve McLean, general manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “The aircraft in our museum have some amazing stories to tell. Combined with some fantastic family events and the chance to enjoy our full museum experience, we hope as many visitors as possible will visit this year for a great day out.”