Photos and video: RAF centenary celebrations at Manston museums

The flypast Photo Ade Davies

Crowds packed out a celebration at Manston this weekend marking the RAF’s 100th anniversary.

The RAF Manston Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum and the RAF Manston History Museum joined forces to hold the event on Sunday (April 1) which was attended by some 2,000 people.

The event, funded by Thanet District Council and Kent County Council, was to commemorate the finest moments of the RAF’s Second World War history. During the day visitors got up close and personal to a Mk IX Spitfire.

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The fabulous Bluebird Belles entertained visitors and a full ATS Searchlight Division encampment was on display

Tank rides, stalls and the launch of the Spitfire simulator were also included on the day.

Visitors were also treated to a Spitfire flypast.

Spitfire and Hurricane Museum manager Matt Demedts said: “It was an absolutely cracking day! More than 2000 visitors helped us celebrate 100 years of proud service by the RAF!

“We would like to thank all our funders, supporters, suppliers, performers and visitors. Above all we would like to say a massive thank you to our dedicated, hardworking and amazing volunteers who made the event happen!”

Some £2,000 was raised on the day.

Thanet District Council paid £4,000 and County Councillor Paul Messenger paid £2,000 to fund the event.

Find the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum here

Find the RAF Manston Museum here