Spitfire to take centre stage at Wicksteed At War event in Kettering

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Spitfire’s first ever flight, organisers have arranged for one of the planes to be exhibited on the ground at Wicksteed Park during the event taking place from June 10 to 12.

The Spitfire is the most famous plane of World War Two.

Its ground-breaking design and superior specifications gave the British a decisive advantage fighting the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain.

Other attractions at the free Wicksteed At War event will include Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts featuring a Spitfire and Hurricane on Saturday, June 11, and a Lancaster Bomber on Sunday, June 12.

Sponsored by the Military Vehicle Trust, the free annual family event brings history to life with hundreds of military vehicles and reenactors on display, a full arena of entertainment, fly-bys, battles and, stall holders.

Visitors will also be able to see a Russian T-55 tank, which holds the World Record for the most mass-produced tank ever, with a staggering 88,000 built.

It will be part of a re-creation of the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, which was an iconic part of The Berlin Wall.

This year is the 55th anniversary of the checkpoint, a small hut surrounded by sandbags, which held two superpowers part for the duration of the Cold War.

There will also be a Wicksteed At War 1940s Victory Party in the park pavilion on Saturday, June 11, with live music, singing and dancing until the early hours featuring the Bombshell Belles, the Kalamazoo Dance Band and 1940s’ DJ Major Swing & Kitty.

Tickets for the Victory Party are £12.50 each.

People are invited to dress to impress as there is a free bottle of bubbly for the best dressed guy and gal.

The show’s successful education day, designed for children aged seven to 14, will also be held again on Friday, June 10, with 300 spaces available for local schools.

Children will be able to learn from a wide range of experiences, such as riding an evacuee train, cooking on rations, grenade throwing, wartime children games and life as a tank crew member.

Wicksteed Park managing director Alasdair McNee said: “Wicksteed At War is a fantastic event for all the family and a great opportunity for children and adults alike to learn more about what actually happened and how the war affected families just like theirs.”

For further information on Wicksteed At War go to www.wicksteedatwar.co.uk.

For details on how to register for the education day, contact Wicksteed Park on 01536 512475 or email [email protected].

For details on how to buy tickets for the Victory Party go to www.wicksteedpark.org/victory-party.