Tag: National Museum of Flight

Spin into September this weekend at National Museum of Flight’s 360 Fest

Visitors can spin into September at the National Museum of Flight’s family fun day this weekend. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands-on activities at 360 Fest, returning to East Lothian this Saturday (6th September). 

The one-day event offers full-circle family fun for all ages. Visitors can step into the ring with drop-in circus workshops and try out hula hooping, spinning plates and diabolo juggling. Think Circus will also pop up around the Museum’s historic Second World War airfield with spectacular circus performances. 

The Ultimate Extreme Sports Show will showcase cycle and sport skills, including BMX stunts, mountain bike trials and bike parkour. Visitors who fancy having a go themselves can also choose a bike and zoom round The Dirt Factory’s bike pump track. Family crafts, demos, and STEM activities a complete the packed programme. 

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “We’re delighted that 360 Fest is returning to the National Museum of Flight for a second year.

“This event offers lots of hands-on activities and entertainment to encourage families to spin into action and get creative together. Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections up close, 360 Fest offers the perfect day out to round off the summer.” 

Visitors can explore the National Museum of Flight and discover iconic aircraft such as a Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde. Families can visit the Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive displays offering a wonderful way to discover how aeroplanes fly.

There’s also a chance to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage through photographs, film, personal testimony and unique objects in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.    

360 Fest takes place on Saturday 6 September. Activities run from 11:00-16:00 and the museum is open 10:00-17:00.  

Pictured: Kat Borrowdale from Think Circus practices ahead of 360 Fest, a day of family fun celebrating all things circular at the National Museum of Flight.

Photo © Andy Catlin

National Museum of Flight uncovers Second World War secrets in anniversary year

New research has revealed details of two air assaults on East Fortune Airfield that were kept secret during the Second World War.

The historic airfield in East Lothian is now home to the National Museum of Flight, which opened 50 years ago this month, in July 1975.

A discreet, handwritten note on an archived document led curators from the Museum to uncover the hidden details. In November 1940, three bombs were dropped on the airfield. Almost a year later in October 1941, enemy gunners attacked the site from the air. No casualties were recorded. 

Throughout the Second World War the airfield served as an operational training unit. In Scotland, direct hits were rarely reported publicly to prevent enemy forces identifying significant sites. The Lothians were targeted by German bombers on several occasions, including attacks on a decoy airfield in nearby Drem, but until now this important part of the airfield’s history was unknown.  

East Fortune is one of the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfields. Air raid and blast shelters, that were likely used during the attacks, have recently been conserved and are now open to visitors to discover more about Scotland’s wartime heritage. 

Ian Brown, Curator at the National Museum of Flight, said: “Revealing these previously unknown events at East Fortune has taken some real detective work.

“The airfield has played a significant role in Scottish aviation history for over a century. Even in the museum’s 50th year we’re still discovering stories that can help us better understand the airfield’s past.” 

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, visitors can learn more about life during the Second World War in a new series of lunchtime talks, starting on Friday 18th July.

The talks are free with the museum admission and can be booked at: nms.ac.uk/Flight.

The National Museum of Flight explores the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day through interactive galleries, historic aircraft and hangars.

On display is one of Europe’s best collections of aircraft, including Scotland’s only Concorde, which visitors can board.   

 

The National Lottery Open Week returns for Spring 2025 at the National Museum of Flight

As a recipient of National Lottery funding, the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune is inviting players to visit for free on 22 March

This March, the National Lottery will once again be saying thank you to players for the £30 million they raise for good causes every week, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide, with National Lottery Open Week.

From Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd March 2025, the National Lottery Open Week offers players the chance to get outside and explore the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out. Anyone with an online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy a low-cost day out thanks to special offers at hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues and attractions.

On Saturday 22 March 2025, the National Museum of Flight is offering free entry to National Lottery players.

Visitors to the Museum must book a ticket online in advance of their visit and bring along both their admission ticket and a lottery ticket or scratch card.

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in The National Lottery Open Week this year.

“We’re grateful to have received National Lottery funding, which has enabled us to redevelop two of our nationally significant Second World War hangars.

“Devoted to military and civil aircraft, they explore a century of aviation, presenting the stories of some of the people who built and flew them. This is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has bought a National Lottery ticket, helped us on our journey and made a contribution to supporting good causes.”

The National Museum of Flight is home to a world class collection of aircraft, from a Supermarine Spitfire to Scotland’s only Concorde.

The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aircraft fly. They are also able to learn more about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.

To discover more participating venues, insider tips and how to redeem offers for The National Lottery Open Week visit www.nationallotteryopenweek.com

Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.

See www.nationallotteryopenweek.com for full terms and conditions.

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Travel back in time at the National Museum of Flight this October

Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this half term can travel back in time to experience life on the Second World War airfield.

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, families will be transported to the 1940s with new activities, tours and opportunities to learn wartime espionage skills from 16 Oct – 18 Oct 2024.

Set on one of the best-preserved Second World War airfields in the UK, half-term activities will bring this extraordinary history to life with costumed interpreters and genuine military flying equipment from the period.

SPITFIRE TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE NEW HANGER AT THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT, EAST FORTUNE.

Visitors can discover real stories from the Second World War in Scotland with clothing and equipment worn and used by RAF Coastal Command pilots during the Second World War as well as tour the newly refurbished blast and air raid shelters.

Families will also be able to learn some of the skills needed by Special Operations Executive reconnaissance organisations, some of whom trained in nearby Belhaven in East Lothian, as part of the Special Operations Executive Skills sessions.

The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Half term: Second World War Scotland is free with Museum admission.

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “As one of Scotland’s best days out, the National Museum of Flight is the perfect destination for families this half-term.

“We are delighted to be able to offer these free activities thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and I hope our visitors will enjoy learning about the Second World War in Scotland.”

The National Museum of Flight is home to a world class collection of aircraft, from a Supermarine Spitfire to Scotland’s only Concorde. The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aircraft fly.

They are also able to learn more about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.

Funds are raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded through Postcode Culture Trust.

Lammermuir Festival celebrates with a comeback masterpiece

PATH of MIRACLES: Tenebrae at the National Museum of Flight’s Concorde Hangar

In Lammermuir Festival’s history, the 2024 programme marks the first time it will offer a rare returning event. And with the comeback of Path of Miracles and Tenebrae proving hugely popular with audiences, organisers have added a second performance on the night giving festivalgoers a second chance to grab a ticket this year. 

Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles, performed in the Concorde Hangar at the National Museum of Flight, is at the heart of the 2024 programme. Sung by one of the finest choral groups in the world, Tenebrae, for which it was written 20 years ago, the work is both ravishingly beautiful and hugely dramatic.  

Last performed at Lammermuir back in 2017, the sold-out audience stood cheering when it finished. The tour de force is inspired by the famous pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela and performed alongside one of the technological marvels of modern travel in the Concorde Hangar. 

Sunday 8 September, 8pm / 10pm

Tenebrae – Path of Miracles at Concorde

Concorde Hangar, National Museum of Flight

8pm tickets on sale at https://www.lammermuirfestival.co.uk/event/tenebrae-path-of-miracles/

10pm tickets on sale at https://www.lammermuirfestival.co.uk/event/tenebrae-path-of-miracles-extra/

lammermuir-festival-brochure-2024-downloadDownload

Round off the summer at the National Museum of Flight’s new family festival

Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this weekend will be on a roll at the East Lothian attraction’s brand-new family festival. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands on activities at 360 Fest on Saturday 31 August. 

The one-day event offers family fun for all ages. Cycle stunt team The Clan will perform extreme jumps, flips and tricks on the Museum’s historic Second World War airfield. Cycling UK will also be on site with e-bikes, cargo bikes and family friendly kit to take for a spin and visitors inspired to take a turn can try a bespoke pump track, courtesy of The Dirt Factory. 

Scotland’s Concorde will provide a unique backdrop for sensational pop-up circus performances from Think Circus. Families can step into the ring with drop-in circus workshops and try out hula hooping, spinning plates and diabolo juggling. Zorbing, a pop-up planetarium, giant bubbles and circle-themed crafts and activities complete the packed 360 Fest programme. 

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: ““We’re excited to launch this brand-new family festival at the National Museum of Flight. This event offers lots of hands-on activities and entertainment to encourage families to spin into action and get creative together. 

“Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections up close, 360 Fest offers the perfect day out to round off the summer.” 

All of the other attractions at the National Museum of Flight will be available to enjoy on the day including iconic aircraft such as a Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its arrival at the Museum this year.

Families can visit the Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive displays offering a wonderful way to discover how aeroplanes fly. There’s also a chance to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage through photographs, film, personal testimony and unique objects in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.  

360 Fest

Saturday 31 August, 11:00-16:00 (Museum open 10:00-17:00)
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, North Berwick, EH39 5LF

Tickets are available to book at nms.ac.uk/360Fest 

Due to event capacity, advance booking is required to ensure entry. 
Admission:  Adult (16+) £15.50 Concession £13.50, Child (5-15) £10.50, under 5’s free.  
National Museums Scotland members free with pre-booked ticket. 

15% off when you book as a family. Discount automatically applied in basket when you buy up to three Child 5-15 tickets alongside up to any two Adult, Over 65s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets. 

National Museum of Flight’s Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde mark major anniversaries

As the National Museum of Flight commences seven day opening for the new season this week, the East Lothian attraction is encouraging the public to come and see two of its most iconic aircraft as they mark significant milestones. 

This year marks 60 years since the formation of the Red Arrows Display Team. The National Museum of Flight’s 1980 Red Arrows Hawk T.1A, the only Hawk on display in Scotland, has its own special anniversary, with 2024 marking 25 years since it flew in Red 1 position over Edinburgh in celebration of 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 20 years ago on 19 April 2004 following an epic, 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 over 1.5 million people.

The National Museum of Flight has also announced a programme of events and activities for the new season. Family activities over the Easter holidays are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Flying into the Future is runninguntil 5 April and includes technical challenges and Civil Aviation Hangar tours as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival programme. 

The year ahead also sees the return of the attraction’s popular Awesome Bricks LEGO® event from 15-16 June where families will be able to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with hands-on building activities and challenges. On 31 August a new all-day festival, 360 Fest, will feature cycle stunt team, The Clan, circus displays and STEM science activities.

The new season includes 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.  Outdoors, original Second World War features of the site are also being conserved, including an Air Raid Shelter and a Blast Shelter, which 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, including our Red Arrows Hawk which allows people to see this much-loved icon on the ground and to learn about its history as an advanced training aircraft and its involvement in some of the country’s most significant celebrations.

“Scotland’s Concorde is probably our most famous exhibit and twenty years on, is still enthralling visitors who can step on board to see how celebrities such as Sir Elton John and Victoria Beckham used to travel and can learn about the science behind the aircraft’s development.  

“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.”

The National Museum of Flight is located on one of the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfields and includes two historic wartime aircraft hangars which are packed with exciting displays telling the stories of military and civil aviation over the past century. Other aircraft on display include a 1963 Avro Vulcan bomber, the 1952 de Havilland Comet plus an example of the iconic Spitfire that played such an important role in the Second World War.

The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly. They are also able to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.

The National Museum of Flight is now open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.

Book in advance to save.

Adult tickets from £13.50. National Museums Scotland Members free.

15% off when you book as a family.

Tickets can be booked online at nms.ac.uk/flight

Enjoy free entry to the National Museum of Flight

The National Lottery Open Week returns for Spring 2024

  • As a recipient of National Lottery funding, the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune is inviting players to visit for free on 16 and 17 March.

This March, The National Lottery, in its 30th year, will once again be saying thank you to players for the £30 million they raise for good causes every week with National Lottery Open Week.

The focus this year is on encouraging the nation to try something new, by offering an array of free entry and special offers at hundreds of National Lottery funded venues across the UK. 

From Saturday 9 – Sunday 17 March 2024, anyone with a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy a low-cost day out thanks to special offers at hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues and attractions.  

There is something to excite everyone this year. Whether you fancy delving into the past at historical houses, castles and museums, embracing nature in all its glory at wildlife hotspots reliving iconic moments at famous sports venues or enjoying a culture fix at an array of art galleries, theatres and other creative spaces. 

On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March the National Museum of Flight is offering free entry to National Lottery players. Visitors to the Museum must book a ticket online in advance of their visit and bring along both their admission ticket and lottery ticket or scratch card.  

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in The National Lottery Open Week again this year. We’ve been fortunate to receive National Lottery funding, which has enabled us to redevelop two of our Second World War hangars.

“These spaces tell the stories of military and civil aviation, from the first use of air-to-air weapons in 1914 and drone warfare in the 21st century, to flying for fun and connecting distant communities. 

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity say thank you to everyone who has supported us by buying a National Lottery ticket and we’re looking forward to welcoming them at the National Museum of Flight.” 

To view all venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week, visit www.nationallotteryopenweek.com.  

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: “In our 30th year, we’re delighted to mark the return of The National Lottery Open Week 2024.

“The UK is brimming with exciting things to see and do – from historical landmarks and cultural treasures to sports venues and natural landscapes. We want players to get out and experience something new by taking advantage of the low-cost and free days out at venues across the country during National Lottery Open Week.

“This is our way of saying thank you to the players who raise an incredible £30 million each week for Good Causes, supporting venues and projects across the arts, sports, community and heritage sectors.” 

Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details. 

Travel back in time this half term at the National Museum of Flight

Discover the fascinating Second World War history of East Fortune airfield at the National Museum of Flight this half-term.

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, families can travel back in time during a weekend of themed activities on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February. 

Set on one of the best-preserved Second World War airfields in the UK, half-term activities will bring this extraordinary history to life with costumed interpreters and genuine military flying equipment from the period.

Families can also explore the site with the new Family Satchels containing puzzles and activities to enjoy together, before discovering the Museum’s historic hangars filled with fascinating aircraft and interactive displays. 

The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Second World War at East Fortune is free with Museum admission. 

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “As one of Scotland’s best days out, the National Museum of Flight is the perfect destination for families this half-term.

“We are delighted to be able to offer these free activities thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and I hope our young visitors will enjoy learning about life at East Fortune during the Second World War.” 

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We hope families enjoy this captivating experience in the half-term, as they explore the rich history of the Second World War at the UK’s best-preserved airfield.

“Our players have raised over £4 million for National Museums Scotland, enabling the museums to offer many free and fascinating activities to families across Scotland.”

The National Museum of Flight is home to a world class collection of aircraft, from a Supermarine Spitfire to Scotland’s only Concorde.

The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly.

They are also able to learn more about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.   

Learn sea survival skills at National Museum of Flight this half term

Families can test their sea survival skills at the National Museum of Flight this half term. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, special workshops and activities will take place at the museum in East Lothian on 15 & 16 and 22 & 23 October.

Sea Survival will offer visitors the opportunity to get hands-on and discover skills and equipment used by RAF’s Coastal Command.

Outdoor workshops will teach children aged 7 and up how to survive on a desert island, from safely lighting a fire to bushcraft.

Families can also climb aboard a real-life raft in the Concorde Hangar and handle equipment used by the RAF from the Second World War to the modern day, before exploring the historic airfield and hangars filled with fascinating aircraft and interactive displays.

The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Sea Survival is free with museum admission.

Steve Mclean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “We are delighted to offer free family activities this half term, thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

“We hope our young visitors will enjoy diving into the stories and skills of the RAF’s Coastal Command while exploring everything the National Museum of Flight has to offer.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “This Sea Survival event is a fascinating and fun way to learn about the history of the RAF’s Coastal Command.

“We are thrilled that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting this brilliant programme of family activities at the Museum this half term. Player support has enabled many such initiatives. To date, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £900 million for thousands of good causes”

Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this October can also take part in Operation Sabotage, Scotland’s only escape room experience on an historic airfield. Taking place on 29 and 30 October, the experience is suitable for those aged 14 and over.

For more information and to book, visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events. 

The Museum is home to Scotland’s only Concorde and visitors can see an example of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire that played such an important role in the Second World War.

The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly.

They are also able to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.