Weekend of Spitfire Celebrations
Two days of amazing events will take place to mark the public opening of Stoke-on-Trent’s stunning new Spitfire Gallery – including a special RAF flypast.
Celebrations and activities are planned on Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19, at several city centre locations. The events will take place as visitors get their first glimpse of the restored RW388 Spitfire inside its new £5.4 million home at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.
The weekend’s activities are due to include the RAF Spitfire flypast. Subject to RAF timings and weather conditions, onlookers should be able to spot one of the remaining iconic planes soaring over Stoke-on-Trent, close to the museum in Bethesda Street, Hanley, at about 12.38pm on Saturday.
Friday
D-Day Darlings concert – Friday, September 17, 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the museum. £20 per person – an evening of wartime music from the Britain’s Got Talent 2018 finalists.
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19
1940s fun fair stalls – fun for everyone to try out, as well as a vintage refreshment van. 10am-4pm at the museum
Circus skills workshop. Fun with Circus Sensible. 11am-4pm at Bethesda Chapel and Gardens
Street performers. The Dodo Rider by Dizzy O Dare, Sweep of Swallows by Bird in a Hand Theatre, and Mr Strong Stilt Walker by Circus House. Smithfield and along Piccadilly during both days.
The Beach – a day of beach play. 10am – 4.30pm at Smithfield
Flycycle at the Beach by Pif Paf. 11.30am – 12.15pm, 2.30pm – 3.15pm at Smithfield.
World War II display. Saturday, 12pm – 3pm and Sunday 1pm – 3pm at Bethesda Chapel and Gardens
Saturday
RAF Spitfire Flypast – subject to RAF timings and weather conditions. Scheduled for 12.38pm, close to the museum
Children’s make a medal session – make a medal to take home. 10.15am – 11.15am, 11.45am – 12.45pm, 2pm to 3pm, at the museum.
Cosford RAF Museum family activities. 10am – 4pm at the museum.
Spirit of the Home Front – with a model Anderson shelter, Bevan Boys and a civil defence display. 10am – 4pm at the museum.
Dome film – 360-degree immersive film, combining cinematically recreated battle scenes and political events with original film and photographs. 10am to 4pm at the museum.
Film screening – Battle of Britain. 2pm at the museum.
Talk – discover how food was used as medicine, recycling top tips and recipes. Pre-booking required – call 01782 232323. 1pm at the museum.
Victory Belles – find out more about the role of the Land Army – includes sessions for children to create rag rugs. 10am to 4pm at Smithfield.
Family at War – find out what life was like with this living history group. 10am to 4pm at the museum.
Paul Barry’s Swing Band Includes two jitter bug dancers – 10.45am, 12pm,1.15pm and 2.30pm at the museum.
Secret War listening station 10am – 4pm at the museum.
Display of vintage cars and war wheels military vehicles 10am – 4pm at Smithfield.
Spitfire arts and crafts workshop For ages seven to 14. Book online at atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre 10am, 11am and 12pm at the Regent Theatre.
Film screening: The Spitfire & Me – Reginald Mitchell Book seats in advance at https://mitchellartscentre.co.uk/the-spitfire-me-reginald-mitchell . 10am, 1.30pm and 2.15pm at the Mitchell Art Centre.
Children’s paint a Spitfire session Suitable for ages three to 12. Drop-in sessions (allow 30 minutes to complete activity). 10am to 2pm at the Mitchell Art Centre.
Film screening: Disney Pixar – Planes Tickets are £3.50 per child, one adult goes free per paying child. Buy tickets online at https://mitchellartscentre.co.uk/planes . 11am at the Mitchell Art Centre.
Craft and story time activity Drop-in sessions. 11am to 1pm at City Central Library.
Activities linked to the celebration. Throughout the day at the Potteries Centre.
Sunday
Anything to Anywhere talk and cream tea – The History’s Maid group tell the story of the brave Air Transport Auxiliary women. Tickets £12, with cream tea. To book, call 01782 232323. 1pm at the museum.
Film screening – Spitfire Birth of a Legend. Sunday, 2pm at the museum.
Ringmaster by Artizani Smithfield and along Piccadilly during the day.
The Baghdaddies marching band. Along Piccadilly during the day.
Live street art and DJ DJ timed sessions from 10am to 5pm at Smithfield.
Polish Squad 303 and ground crew group. 10am to 4pm at the museum.
Replica Spitfire on display Throughout the day at Smithfield.
ATA strolling performers 10am to 4pm at the museum.
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