Across the museum, visitors enjoyed a wide range of activities. The Home Front village brought visitors back to the Second World War with nostalgic music from the Debonaires Jump Jive Swinging Little Big Band and The Bluebird Belles. Jitterbug jive offered 1940s dance demonstrations. In the authors’ marquee, visitors had the chance to hear from renowned history authors, including Joshua Levine, historical consultant on the film Dunkirk.
Visitors met and chatted with living history groups representing First World War pilots and Second World War RAF fighter pilots, United States Army Air Forces ground crew and Observer Corps. A group of 11 Second World War American veterans (pictured) attended the air show.
The flying display commenced with a display by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team. Highlights of the flying display included:
- Six Hurricanes flying in formation, celebrating the unsung fighter aircraft of the Battle of Britain.
- The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.
- The Tiger Nine team of nine Tiger Moths showcasing the aircraft that many Battle of Britain pilots flew when they started training.
- The Great War Display Team, presenting First World War combat tactics with nine replica First World War aircraft including a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c; three Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a aircraft; two Fokker DR1 triplanes and two Junkers CL1 aircraft, accompanied by flak, bombing and strafing effects.
- The majestic sight of B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B flying alongside two Douglas C-47 transport aircraft.
- A thrilling flying display by 13 Supermarine Spitfires, including a stunning tailchase.
- A finale flypast led by a Bristol Blenheim followed by three Mark I Spitfires, six Hurricanes and a Gloster Gladiator.