Operational aircraft from across the Royal Air Force soared over RAF Cranwell yesterday in a rehearsal for next week’s VE Day 80 flypast that will take place over Buckingham Palace on Monday 5 May 2025.
Aircraft including Typhoons, A400M Atlas, C-17 Globemaster, Rivet Joint, and Poseidon took to the skies to practice the formations which will form part of the VE Day 80 celebrations. The full flypast will see 23 aircraft, including the iconic Red Arrows and the iconic Lancaster Bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight as they put on a spectacular show over London.
"I was reviewing the Flypast from a safety and execution perspective, ensuring the timings, spacings, and overall structure were on track for the special VE Day 80 celebrations on 5 May. It’s a great honour to be part of the events to remember those who served our nation 80 years ago."
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson
Flypast Senior Responsible Officer
The formation flew over RAF Cranwell’s iconic College Hall, which stood in for Buckingham Palace. The first aircraft of the Flypast flew over College Hall at 13:45. The display was reviewed by Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson who is the Air Officer Commanding the RAF’s No. 1 Group. Air Vice-Marshal Jackson was in attendance as the Senior Responsible Officer for the Flypast.
“We are very proud to be able to show the nation and His Majesty The King, our Commander-in-Chief, on this historic occasion, our capability and present that as a fitting and appropriate tribute for the millions of people who served in the Second World War. It should be a good spectacle for the nation and the Commonwealth."
Wing Commander Andrew Watson
Flypast Mission Commander
Subject to weather, serviceability, and operational commitments, the flypast at 13:45 on Monday 5 May 2025 will follow a military procession involving more than 1,300 members of the UK Armed Forces, uniformed services, and young people.
